Department for Transport

Department for Transport: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Jesse Norman: The Secretary of State for Transport has had no meetings with the Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019. As Minister of State, I meet with the Department’s Chief Scientific Advisor regularly and have had multiple meetings with him since December 2018 to discuss topics including the Department’s evidence and analysis strategy, the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge and the Government Office for Science’s Foresight Report on the Future of Mobility.

Road Traffic Offences: Motorways

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of red-X non-compliance on smart motorways for each of the last two years for which data is available.

Jesse Norman: Highways England published comprehensive evaluation reports for the first three years of operation of the M25 junctions 5-7 and 23-27 all lane running schemes on 16 July 2018. These included information on non-compliance and on a programme of work designed to improve Red X compliance.The evidence indicates an overall improvement in the Red-X compliance rate on both schemes between the three-year and one-year reports. The majority of drivers obey Red-X signals. Highways England continue to work closely with the Police to issue warning letters to drivers who fail to comply with a Red-X signal, as well as running a range of driver information campaigns.

Motorways

Sir Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a comparative risk assessment of the safety of a vehicle stopping in a running lane during off peak times on (a) an all lane running motorway and (b) a traditional motorway with a hard shoulder.

Jesse Norman: The original safety assessment of All Lane Running (ALR) included the safety of a vehicle stopping in a running lane during peak and off-peak periods. It also identified a range of measures, such as the provision of traffic management technology and emergency areas, designed to ensure that overall ALR safety levels would be at least as safe as those of a traditional motorway with a hard shoulder.The smart motorway schemes between junctions 5-7 and 23-27 of the M25 were the first to be designed to the ALR standard, and were completed in 2014. The performance of both schemes was monitored, and reports were published after one, two and three years of operation, which included an assessment of safety and performance data.M25 three-year evaluation reports:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/m25-junction-5-to-7-third-year-evaluation-reporthttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/m25-junction-23-to-27-third-year-evaluation-reportThe reviews show that the All Lane Running sections are performing in line with expectations, successfully increasing capacity and improving journeys for motorists. These reviews also found that the M25 schemes delivered a 27% safety improvement overall.

Department for Transport: Carbon Budgets

Andy McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what carbon budget his Department has set for this year and each of the next (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 15 years.

Jesse Norman: Carbon budgets are not set by individual departments.

Airports: Scotland

Lesley Laird: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will extend the scope of EU Regulation 598/2014 relating to noise-related operating restrictions at Scottish Airports to include management of aircraft noise for communities who currently within the area of the proposed competent authorities but are badly affected by noise from the two main Scottish airports.

Jesse Norman: EU Regulation 598/2014 establishes rules and procedures with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports. This includes the appointment of a competent authority in relation to the operating restrictions. A competent authority’s role relates to the operating restriction itself and is not bound by geography. The Government’s implementation of this Regulation for Scotland, The Airports (Noise-Related Operating Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2019, laid before Parliament has been brought forward by the UK Government because this is a reserved matter in relation to Scotland. The Regulations designate Scottish Ministers as the competent authority for Scottish airports within the scope of the regulation.

Train Operating Companies: Standards

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the penalties are for train operators that have not provided the level of service that they are contracted to deliver; what compensation is available to passengers of Northern Rail that have not met contractual obligations services; what steps he is taking to improve the provision of rail services in Rochdale; and whether he plans to withdraw the franchise of operators which have not fulfilled their contractual obligations.

Andrew Jones: Under the terms of the Franchise Agreement there is a performance regime which deals with poor performance in the areas of cancellations, delays and reduced capacity. Under the Delay Repay scheme, Northern passengers are entitled to compensation if a delay to their train journey means they are delayed in reaching their destination by 15mins or more. Delay Repay for those journeys delayed 15mins or more was announced by the Secretary of State later last year and introduced by Northern on 16 December 2018. As part of this, the Secretary of State has tasked Richard George, an independent industry expert, to assist with railway industry performance improvement in the region covered by TfN. The Secretary of State has no hesitation in enforcing that any of his rights under the Franchise Agreement for operators not fulfilling their contractual obligations.

Driving: Diabetes

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) continuous glucose monitor sensors and (b) flash glucose monitoring to (i) assess glucose levels and (ii) validate a diabetic’s fitness to drive.

Jesse Norman: The guidance on the use of new monitoring technologies for people with diabetes was updated on 15 February and is available online at: www.gov.uk/guidance/diabetes-mellitus-assessing-fitness-to-drive#diabetes-mellitus. It was decided that the testing of interstitial fluid can be permitted for driving licensing purposes for people with diabetes who drive cars or motorcycles. Drivers of goods vehicles and buses must continue to monitor blood glucose levels as stipulated in EU and GB law.

Transport

Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy published in July 2018, what progress he has made towards the target of making the UK’s transport network fully inclusive by 2030; what his policy is on the inclusion of people with dementia on the UK's transport network; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: Good progress continues to be made in delivering the commitments set out in the Inclusive Transport Strategy. A monitoring and evaluation framework was published on 19 December setting out how the Government will measure the impact that the Strategy is having on the lives of disabled people including those with non-visible disabilities such as dementia and the progress that is being made towards its 2030 goal. The Department will also report annually to Parliament on the delivery of the Inclusive Transport Strategy, with the first such report due in the summer.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the effect of toxic fumes from shipping.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: The Government has been engaging internationally and domestically in order to reduce pollutant emissions from shipping. For the most part, the international nature of the shipping industry means that regulatory solutions to curb environmental impacts from this sector need to be delivered globally. In this regard, the UK strongly supports the reduction in the sulphur content of marine fuel which will apply to shipping globally from 2020. In UK waters, a strict 0.1 per cent sulphur limit has applied to ships operating in the English Channel and North Sea since 2015; and from 2021 these waters will also be designated as a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions control area. The Government highlighted opportunities to reduce emissions from domestic shipping and ports activities, when it published its Clean Air Strategy (CAS) on 14 January this year. Commitments include consulting on options for increasing domestic regulations and extending the current emission control area to other UK waters. To help drive the uptake of cleaner technologies and greener fuels, I am chairing a new Government-led Clean Maritime Council, which brings together experts from the maritime sector. Along with the CAS and the Clean Maritime Council, the Department is working with stakeholders to develop a Clean Maritime Plan by Spring 2019. This plan will set out a number of domestic policies to reduce emissions from shipping while maximising the potential economic benefit for the UK from global transition to zero emission shipping.

Roads: Accidents

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2019 to Question 221797 on Roads: Accidents, if his Department will make an assessment of the merits of recording the number of road accidents attributed to glare from (a) LED and (b) halogen bulbs in car headlights; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The Department periodically reviews the data collection on personal injury road accidents reported to the police, in a process called Stats19 reviews. A Stats19 review started in autumn 2018 and is currently considering what amendments need to be made to the collection. In making recommendations for change, the review considers evidence on the burden this would impose on the police to collect it, the practicality and likely quality of the data collected and potential benefits in building the road safety evidence base to save lives. We aim to consult on potential changes to the collection in 2020 following detailed engagement with the police and road safety organisations in 2019.

Rolling Stock: Procurement

James Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many new pieces of rolling stock have been ordered by Train Operating Companies or their suppliers in each year between 1997 and 2019.

Andrew Jones: The number of new carriages ordered by Train Operating Companies in each complete year between 1997 and 2018 is: YearCarriages19974581998937199955020001452001101420021012200332920041202005180200622020073032008332200912020100201113020127162013158320141077201558220161875201714312018379

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

European Research Council: British Nationals Abroad

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal principal investigators in receipt of European Research Council funding who are based outside the UK will qualify for the Government's Horizon 2020 underwrite if they move their research base to the UK (a) before or (b) after the date of EU exit.

Chris Skidmore: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 14 March 2019.The correct answer should have been:

In the event of a no deal, the Government underwrite will cover the payment of awards to UK beneficiaries for all successful bids to Horizon 2020, including the European Research Council, for the lifetime of projects.Further guidance on how the underwrite will work in practice will be published in due course.This includes Horizon 2020 grants that have been transferred to the UK before the date of EU exit. We will seek to publish further guidance in due course on how the underwrite will apply to Horizon 2020 grantees based outside of the UK that are planning to move their research base to the UK.

Chris Skidmore: In the event of a no deal, the Government underwrite will cover the payment of awards to UK beneficiaries for all successful bids to Horizon 2020, including the European Research Council, for the lifetime of projects.Further guidance on how the underwrite will work in practice will be published in due course.This includes Horizon 2020 grants that have been transferred to the UK before the date of EU exit. We will seek to publish further guidance in due course on how the underwrite will apply to Horizon 2020 grantees based outside of the UK that are planning to move their research base to the UK.

Electricity Interconnectors: Planning Permission

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the decision-making authority of Planning Inspectorate for the development of the AQUIND interconnector on the effectiveness of local democracy.

Claire Perry: My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State, rather than The Planning Inspectorate, is the decision-maker for applications for consent for nationally significant infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008.On 30 July 2018, he directed that the AQUIND interconnector should be treated as a nationally significant infrastructure project.The processes for assessing such projects under the Planning Act are designed to allow the full participation of both local communities and relevant local authorities.Local authorities have a very important role in the process. They are encouraged to discuss and work through the issues raised by proposals with prospective applicants well before the application is submitted, and to engage with applicants in the preparation of statements of common ground.Local authorities will also be asked to consider the prospective applicant’s proposals for consultation with the local community and then comment upon the quality of that consultation.During the examination of the application, there will be further opportunities for local authorities, local people and any other parties with an interest in the project to make representations.Relevant local authorities will also be invited to submit a local impact report giving details of the likely impact of the proposed development on the authority’s area.In coming to a decision, the Secretary of State must have regard to any local impact reports that are submitted.

Electricity Interconnectors: Planning Permission

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the evidential basis was for the decision to provide the Planning Inspectorate with decision-making powers for the development of the AQUIND interconnector.

Claire Perry: The reasons why my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State issued a direction under S35 of the Planning Act 2008 in respect of the AQUIND interconnector are set out in the notice of that direction dated 30 July 2018 which is published on The Planning Inspectorate’s website - https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN020022/EN020022-000013-Section%2035%20Direction%20notice%20AQUIND%20Interconnector_30July2018.pdf The Secretary of State would be the decision-maker on any application for consent for the AQUIND interconnector made in accordance with that direction, following the examination of the application by The Planning Inspectorate.

Offshore Industry and Shipping: Minimum Wage

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he last discussed national minimum wage compliance and enforcement in the (a) shipping industry and (b) offshore energy sector with officials of the HMRC National Minimum Wage Enforcement Team.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 15 March 2019



This Government is committed to cracking down on employers who fail to pay the National Minimum and Living Wage (NMW). In the last 3 years we have almost doubled HMRC’s budget to enforce the NMW from £13.2 million to a record £26.3 million. Workers who ordinarily work in the UK are entitled to minimum wage for all of their work, including, for example, for work on ships located outside the UK servicing offshore installations. Furthermore, workers on UK registered ships are entitled to minimum wage for all their work on the ship wherever it is located, unless they work entirely outside the UK or are not ordinarily resident in the UK. NMW issues fall within the portfolio of Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility, Kelly Tolhurst, who most recently met directly with HMRC officials on Monday 14th January. BEIS officials meet regularly with their HMRC colleagues through an established governance structure, to monitor progress and discuss current and emerging risks of non-compliance with the NMW.

Energy: EU Law

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2019 to Question 229808 and Question 229809 on Energy: EU Law, whether Ofgem's licensing mechanisms to recover costs for a new REMIT system require energy suppliers to pay increased fees to Ofgem.

Claire Perry: In the event that domestic REMIT reporting systems are required, Ofgem will consider the costs relative to the operational benefit, to ensure that the systems represent value for money. Where costs are incurred it is correct that this may lead to an increase in licencing fees. Costs will be shared by all licenced entities, not just suppliers.

Competition and Markets Authority

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department plans to take to respond to Lord Tyrie's recommendations on the future role of the Competition and Markets Authority; and what the timetable is for the implementation of that response.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 15 March 2019



The Government will consult on these proposals in due course.

Agency Workers: EU Law

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to his oral contribution of 6 March 2019, Official Report, column 994, on the Swedish derogation, what representations he has received on the timing of the abolition of the Swedish derogation; and when he plans to respond to those representations.

Kelly Tolhurst: Holding answer received on 15 March 2019



The Government is committed to upgrading workers’ rights as we leave the EU, not reduce them. The Good Work Plan represents a large part of this commitment and is the biggest upgrade in a generation. The Department regularly engages with stakeholders on the reforms announced in the Good Work Plan. Secondary legislation repealing the Swedish Derogation was laid on 17 December 2018 and approved by the House of Commons’ Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee on 6 March 2019. Subject to approval from the House of Lords, all agency workers will be entitled to the same pay as permanent staff after 12 weeks in an assignment from 6 April 2020. This will allow time for businesses to realign their contractual arrangements, both with their workers and the end hirers.

Wind Power: North Sea

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent estimate he has made of the number of jobs that will be created for UK-resident (a) seafarers and (b) divers at the (i) transportation, (ii) installation, (iii) construction and (iv) maintenance phases of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm; and what recent assurances he has sought from Red Rock Power regarding the contractors engaged to carry out each phase of work.

Claire Perry: No estimates have been made by the Government on the number of jobs that will be created by the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. Red Rock has publicly stated the Inch Cape project could create up to 1,900 jobs in the UK during construction. http://www.inchcapewind.com/news/Inch_Cape_Offshore_Wind_Development_announces_supply_chain_commitments The project will also create long-term local jobs during the operations and maintenance of the windfarm. The Department meets regularly with all offshore wind developers to understand their plans for delivering projects in the UK.

Wind Power: Continental Shelf

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that UK employment law applies to shipping companies contracted to (a) transport, (b) install, (c) construct and (d) maintain offshore wind farms on the UK Continental Shelf.

Kelly Tolhurst: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Research: Expenditure

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,  what estimate he has made of the amount of funding as a percentage of GDP that was allocated to research and development by (a) Government, (b) public sector organisations excluding local authorities and (c)the  private sector in each of the last five years for which data is available.

Chris Skidmore: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Photonics: Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding the Government has allocated to research into (a) photonics and (b) optoelectronics in each (a) nation and (b) region of the UK in each year for which data is available.

Chris Skidmore: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Rebecca Long Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what the total value has been of government spending on subsidies for the manufacture and purchase of low emission and electric vehicles in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2018-19.

Richard Harrington: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Construction: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how the Construction Sector Deal funding will be disbursed; and how he plans to assess the effect of that funding on that sector.

Richard Harrington: As part of the Construction Sector Deal, £170m has been allocated through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, to support three sets of activity, Firstly, £72m for a Construction Innovation Hub, which will develop and commercialise digital and offsite manufacturing technologies. Secondly, £36m for an Active Building Centre which seeks to integrate innovative energy generation and storage technologies into buildings. Finally, £59m will be disbursed to a number of university led research and industry led R&D projects, through a series of competitions. The approach to evaluating the Programme funding is being developed. However, we will be publishing an update on the implementation of the Construction Sector Deal later this year.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Private Education

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many children had their private school fees paid by his Department at (a) schools in the UK and (b) schools overseas in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Sir Alan Duncan: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 03 December 2018.The correct answer should have been:

In Financial Year 2016/2017, the FCO funded the private school fees for the following number of children:(a) At schools in the UK: 541 393 (b) At schools overseas: 1074

Sir Alan Duncan: In Financial Year 2016/2017, the FCO funded the private school fees for the following number of children:(a) At schools in the UK: 541 393 (b) At schools overseas: 1074

Turkey: Politics and Government

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment the Government has made of the effect on security and democracy of the appointment of unelected governors who are members of the AKP in towns and cities in Turkey with predominant Kurdish populations.

Sir Alan Duncan: ​The decision to temporarily appoint state trustees in local municipalities is a decision for the Turkish Government. Nevertheless, we expect Turkey to undertake any legal processes against locally elected representatives fairly, transparently and with full respect for the rule of law. It is important for Turkish democracy, as it would be for any country, that the results of upcoming local elections accurately reflect the wishes of the Turkish people.

Turkey: Elections

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure a free and fair election in Turkey.

Sir Alan Duncan: We have consistently encouraged Turkey to invite international election monitors to the forthcoming local elections. We are pleased that a delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has been invited to do so. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have engaged with the head of the delegation in advance of his visit. We will continue to urge Turkey to act upon the recommendations made by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe following the Presidential elections in June 2018, and will consider any further recommendations the Council of Europe may produce following the local elections.

South Sudan: Sexual Offences

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his counterpart in South Sudan of sexual violence committed by that country's armed and security forces against displaced persons.

Harriett Baldwin: ​The prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence, including that directed at South Sudan’s displaced population, remains a long standing and serious concern. Most recently, following incidents of widespread rape near Bentiu, including by armed groups, we have repeatedly called for the Government of South Sudan to ensure that these, and all incidents of sexual violence, are fully investigated and perpetrators brought to justice, support provided for survivors, and action taken to prevent such attacks. The UK Defence Secretary visited South Sudan in January 2019, when he discussed our concerns at the highest levels, and urged action to bring an end to sexual and gender-based violence.

Journalism: Safety

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the security and safety of journalists throughout the world.

Mark Field: Media freedom is under attack across the world. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that 80 journalists and media workers were killed in 2018. An additional 300 are currently in detention and 60 are being held hostage. We are very concerned about the high number of countries using restrictive laws to stifle freedom of expression and prevent the functioning of an independent media. The UK believes that access to fair and accurate information is the lifeblood of democracy. As such we are committed to the promotion of media freedom and the protection of journalists, which is why we have launched a global Media Freedom Campaign for 2019. Our aim is to shine a spotlight on media freedom, and in so doing to raise the cost to those abusing it. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also funds a number of programmes promoting media freedom overseas through the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy.

Commonwealth: LGBT People

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, to which Commonwealth states the Government is providing assistance on changes to LGBT law.

Alistair Burt: ​I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 1 November 2018 (PQ 186948). The UK-funded Equality & Justice Alliance (EJA) programme is working to create a fairer, more equal and inclusive Commonwealth for the LGBT community by supporting those countries seeking to reform legislation that discriminates on the grounds of gender identity or sexual orientation.Several countries have expressed interest in the EJA's offer of technical assistance for legislative change. Due to the highly sensitive and sometimes dangerous nature of this work, it would not be appropriate to name specific member states.

Confucius Institutes

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission's report of 18 February 2019, what assessment he has made of the validity of concerns that China’s Confucius Institutes may represent a threat to academic freedoms and freedom of expression.

Mark Field: We have read the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission’s report with interest and note its conclusions.The UK values its relationship with China, and recognises that education has an important role to play in providing opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration and partnerships between the two countries. Universities are autonomous institutions and can choose who they cooperate with, including whether to partner with Chinese Higher Education Institutions or Confucius Institutes.We encourage UK Higher education providers to work with international partners, including from China. However, providers have duties to ensure that in doing so, freedom of expression is protected for students and staff, and that the academic freedoms of their staff are protected, by taking reasonable steps to ensure debates and discussions can go ahead.The government, with the support of key stakeholders in the higher education sector, has worked alongside the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to produce new guidance ‘Freedom of Expression: A Guide for Higher Education Providers and Students’ Unions in England and Wales’.

Educational Institutions

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if the Government will bring forward legislative proposals to require transparency from and ensure that Confucius Institutes and other foreign institutions are not able to hold undue influence, whether political, ideological or religious, on the curriculum and teaching practices of British institutions.

Mark Field: We have read the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission’s report with interest and note its conclusion.The UK values its relationship with China, and recognises that education has an important role to play in providing opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration and partnerships between the two countries. Universities are autonomous institutions and can choose who they cooperate with, including whether to partner with Chinese Higher Education Institutions or Confucius Institutes.We encourage UK Higher education providers to work with international partners, including from China. However, providers have duties to ensure that in doing so, freedom of expression is protected for students and staff, and that the academic freedoms of their staff are protected, by taking reasonable steps to ensure debates and discussions can go ahead.The government, with the support of key stakeholders in the higher education sector, has worked alongside the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to produce new guidance ‘Freedom of Expression: A Guide for Higher Education Providers and Students’ Unions in England and Wales’.

Saudi Arabia: Prisons

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has held with his Saudi Arabian counterpart on conditions in Saudi Arabian prisons for women's rights activists.

Alistair Burt: We regularly raise our concerns with the Saudi authorities about the women’s rights activists in detention. Most recently, the Foreign Secretary raised these concerns with his Saudi counterparts on 2 March. We consistently and unreservedly condemn torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and it is a priority for us to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 11 February 2019 to Question 216183 on Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings, for what reasons his Department owns two properties with an asset value of over £5 million in Buenos Aires.

Alistair Burt: ​​The two properties each with an asset value of over £5 million in Buenos Aires are the British Embassy and the Ambassador's Residence (acquired in 1945). These buildings provide a dedicated base from which diplomats can promote UK interests in Argentina.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 11 February 2019 to Question 216183 on Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings, for what reasons his Department owns two properties with an asset value of over £5 million in Kampala.

Alistair Burt: ​The main High Commission offices and the contiguous Consular Visa Office in Kampala have both been valued for accounting purposes as specialised assets above £5 million. Market value of each of these buildings is below £5 million. We have no plans to dispose of either of these offices.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 11 February 2019 to Question 216183 on Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Buildings, for what reasons his Department owns four properties with an asset value of over £5 million in Paris.

Alistair Burt: ​The four properties in Paris with an asset value over £5 million are the Embassy building (purchased in 1947), the Ambassador’s Residence and its Gatehouse, and the Consulate site in Rue d’Anjou (all three purchased in 1814). These buildings provide a dedicated base from which diplomats can promote British interests.

Farouk Hamadalla

Dawn Butler: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps they will take to escalate engagement with the Libyan authorities on securing justice for the descendents of Major Farouk Hamadalla who was forced off the British Overseas Airways Corporation VC10 en route from London to Khartoum on the 22nd July 1971.

Alistair Burt: ​The British Government has raised this case with the Libyan Government on a number of occasions, and stressed the need to address the events of 1971, and the complex issues involving the Libyan and Sudanese Governments. I raised the case with the Libyan Ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs during my visit to Tripoli in April 2018 and followed up with letters to the Ministers on the subject, hand delivered by our Ambassador.Raising legacy cases with the Libyan Government is challenging in the context of the ongoing political and security situation. However, we continue to raise this case with the Libyan authorities when there is an opportunity to do so and to provide regular updates to Major Hamadalla's family.

Attorney General

Crown Prosecution Service: Expenditure

Steve McCabe: To ask the Attorney General, what the change has been in the level of funding allocated to the Crown Prosecution Service in each year since 2009.

Robert Buckland: The change in the level of funding allocated to the Crown Prosecution Service in each year since 2009 has been as follows: CPS Funding 2009201020112012201320142015201620172018* £m£m£m£m£m£m£m£m£m£mTotal CPS funding648689.2642.9591.15562.6551.6508.55488.19498.6528Change in funding-0.441.2-46.3-51.75-28.55-11-43.05-20.3610.4129.4% change0%6%-7%-8%-5%-2%-8%-4%2%6% * Accounts not yet subject to audit

Department of Health and Social Care

Community Hospitals: Social Services

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the proportion of specialised social care provided by community hospitals.

Caroline Dinenage: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2019 to Question 224304 on Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements, how many European Health Insurance Cards have been issued to people over the age of 70 in each of the nations and regions of the UK.

Stephen Hammond: The number of active European Health Insurance Cards issued to people over 70 is as follows:Northern Ireland60,132England2,391,876Scotland219,675Wales140,439 The data by region is not available.

Eating Disorders

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to ensure that on medicine courses the effect of eating disorders on mental health is given parity of esteem with their effect on physical health; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Hammond: Undergraduate medical schools determine the content of their own curricula but are required to integrate the General Medical Council’s ‘Outcomes for Graduates’. These Outcomes include the knowledge, skills and behaviour that graduates must be able to demonstrate before gaining a licence to practise medicine.The Outcomes were updated in 2018, with the integration of mental and social health care and caring for people with multiple morbidities, including mental health conditions, being key drivers for the update.The new Outcomes specify that newly qualified doctors must explain and illustrate by professional experience the principles for the identification, safe management and referral of patients with mental health conditions. They must also take action in response to factors suggesting patient vulnerability, including assessing the needs of, and support required, for people with mental health conditions. Newly qualified doctors must be able to explain the relationship between psychological and medical conditions and how psychological factors impact on risk and treatment outcome. Finally the Outcomes take into account multi-professional working, noting that newly qualified doctors must work effectively within a multi-professional and multi-disciplinary team and across multiple care settings.Medical schools have to design their curricula and assessments in order for their students to be able to meet all of the Outcomes by the time they complete their course. Schools have until summer 2020 to make sure their curriculum meets the new outcomes.

Immigrants: Detainees

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps are taken to ensure that people in immigration removal centres have uninterrupted access to prescribed medication.

Jackie Doyle-Price: NHS England’s focus on improving the physical needs of this patient population have resulted in the development of a dedicated medicine improvement programme for those in an immigration removal centre (IRC). The programme aims to improve the optimisation of medicines for people in immigration removal centres and has been underpinned by specific professional medicines optimisation standards published in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2017). The programme aims to improve the optimisation of medicines for people in IRCs to deliver: - A clear understanding of current provision of pharmacy services, including on-site services, and medicines handling and use in IRCs;- An audit of the medicines standards in all IRCs to support quality improvement in pharmacy services and medicines optimisation;- Identification of key improvement priorities for each IRC based on the gap analysis between provision and expected standards;- Introduction by providers of policies and an IT-based risk assessment tools to enable as many detainees as possible to self-administer their medicines;- Provide medicines in an environment where people can maintain confidentiality and access support from pharmacy staff about their medicines; and- Improve continuity of medicines on admission through more effective electronic recording during their period of detention in IRCs as well as on their release and transfer or deportation.

Health: Students

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps the Government is taking to reduce the prevelance of (a) stress, (b) loneliness, (c) anxiety, and (d) substance misuse among undergraduate students.

Jackie Doyle-Price: The Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Department for Education to improve the mental health of undergraduate students. Our joint document, ‘Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision: a green paper’, includes a commitment to build a new national strategic partnership with key stakeholders to improve the mental health of 16 to 25 year olds in schools, colleges and universities, by facilitating coordinated action, experimentation and robust evaluation on leadership, prevention and improved data collection.To support this, the NHS Long Term Plan commits to a comprehensive expansion of mental health services, including a new approach to mental health services for people aged 18-25, supporting transitions to college and to adulthood, with services being adapted to create a comprehensive offer for 0-25-year olds.NHS England is working closely with Universities UK through the Mental Health in Higher Education programme to build the capability and capacity of universities to improve student welfare services and improve access to mental health services for the student population, including focusing on suicide reduction, and improving access to psychological therapies to support treat students suffering from stress and anxiety.

Cancer: Health Services

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of NHS trusts in England that have outsourced cancer treatment services, in part or in whole, to private sector providers.

Steve Brine: NHS England does not hold information on the number of National Health Service trusts in England that have outsourced cancer treatment services.

Antibiotics: Drug Resistance

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to implement the Government’s Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan 2019-2024; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: The Department will continue to coordinate work across government and its agencies to implement nationally agreed policies on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Arrangements for implementation of ‘Tackling antimicrobial resistance (2019-2024): The UK’s five-year national action plan’ are being finalised in discussion with key partners including Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Health Service, United Kingdom Research and Innovation and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The NHS Long Term Plan, published in January 2019, made the commitment to implement the UK’s five-year national action plan on AMR. NHS England is currently working with NHS Improvement to develop detailed plans for implementation of the human health aspects of the national action plan.

Tomography: Procurement

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2019 to Question 229815 on Tomography: Procurement, what estimate he has made of the change in cost to the NHS of scanning services as a result of the procurement of PET-CT scanning provision.

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2019 to Question 229815 on Tomography: Procurement, through what methods NHS England drew attention to the public engagement process to test the phase II procurement approach for PET-CT scanning services.

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2019 to Question 229815 on Tomography: Procurement, whether NHS England has sought any further public engagement on the procurement of PET-CT scanning services since 2017.

Steve Brine: NHS England completed a 30 day public engagement about the Phase II procurement proposals between January – February 2016. This was publicised on both NHS England’s website and its Engage portal. Further details of public engagement can be found at the following link: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/survey/pet-ct-services/ This was a public engagement exercise open to all stakeholders, including patients and members of the public. There were three webinars held as well as focus groups to further inform this engagement process. All of the relevant Clinical Reference Group registered stakeholders were notified of the engagement process via email. The feedback received as part of this public engagement process led to further work being undertaken in 2016 on the procurement approach, before a public engagement report was published in 2017. There was no subsequent public engagement while the procurement process was underway, as this could have affected or been seen to affect the impartiality of the process. The Government and NHS England are committed to ensuring that the public are involved in decision making and where new service proposals would result in substantial development or variation, such as location change, further public involvement activities will be undertaken. NHS England has secured, on average, approximately 10% savings on the national cost of PET-CT provision as a result of procurement activity. Alongside this, the National Health Service has benefited from significant investment in new equipment and scanning locations.

Diabetes: Pregnancy

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in each of the last 10 years.

Steve Brine: The information requested is not centrally held.

Mental Health Services: Veterans

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the merits of including the category of veterans in the Mental Health Services Data Set.

Jackie Doyle-Price: An indicator for ex British Armed Forces was added to the Mental Health Services Data Set in 2017/18. However, data is still in its infancy and indicator completion rates are currently only at 13%. NHS England is investigating ways to improve this. The expansion of NHS England’s general practitioner veteran friendly accreditation service and Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance are expected to be helpful in improving the situations.

Barbeques: Health Hazards

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to promote public awareness of the risk to health of using barbeques in enclosed spaces; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Brine: Public Health England published advice and guidance on social media to remind campers about the dangers of using barbeques inside tents and other enclosed spaces. An example of this can be viewed at the following link:https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2015/12/15/carbon-monoxide-the-silent-killer/

Immigrants: Detainees

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether immigration detainees have access to free independent interpreting services during appointments with medical staff in immigration removal centres.

Jackie Doyle-Price: All those detained in Immigration Removal Centres have access to independent interpreting services. These services are commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and are available to all staff in Immigration Removal Centres, including the healthcare staff, as required.

Mental Illness: Gambling

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of problem gambling on mental ill health.

Steve Brine: The Government is committed to supporting all those identified as suffering from problems with gambling and specific aims have been laid out in the NHS Long Term Plan to invest in expanding additional specialist clinics. At present, people who experience problems with gambling can access services in primary care and secondary care including specialised mental health and addiction services. There are a range of services available details of which can be found on the NHS website.

NHS: Redundancy Pay

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many NHS employees received exit payments in excess of £95,000 in (a) 2017 and (b) 2018.

Stephen Hammond: Information on the numbers of National Health Service employees in receipt of exit payments in excess of £95,000 in 2017 and 2018 is not collected centrally.

Department for International Development

Developing Countries: Education

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendation to use international meetings and events including the UN High Level Political Forum to press other governments and international organisations to take action on intersecting inequalities in education in the Send My Friend to School report, Unlock education for everyone: delivering the pledge to leave no one behind in education published on 11 February 2019.

Harriett Baldwin: DFID’s 2018 education policy ‘Get Children Learning’ commits the UK to tackling multiple sources of disadvantage simultaneously in our contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. Building on the advances made at previous international events such as the UK-hosted Global Disability Summit in 2018, we will continue to press other governments and international organisations to address intersecting inequalities to ensure marginalised children can access the quality education they deserve. We will do this through UK representation throughout the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, including at side events, making links to the Leave No One Behind agenda and SDG 4, which is one of the SDGs in focus this year.

Yemen: Migration

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate her Department has made of the number of Yemenis who have migrated from Saudi Arabia to Yemen in (a) 2017, (b) 2018 and (c) 2019 to date.

Alistair Burt: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that 73,190 Yemenis returned to Yemen from Saudi Arabia in 2018. Data was not collected by IOM in 2017 and they are yet to release data for 2019.

Tanzania: Refugees

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to help the Government of Tanzania to host 335,000 refugees.

Harriett Baldwin: DFID is one of the largest donors to humanitarian work in Tanzania. We have provided support such as food, shelter and protection to over 328,000 Burundian and Congolese refugees and asylum seekers since 2015, and funded reintegration assistance for over 3,600 refugees who chose to return to Burundi, as well as providing additional support to host communities.

Land Mines: Bomb Disposal

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how much her Department has spent since 2017 on landmine clearance; how many landmines have been cleared with that funding; and what proportion of those landmines were (a) manufactured landmines and (b) improved explosive devices.

Penny Mordaunt: Since 2017 my Department has spent over £49million on programmes that reduce the impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). As set out in the UK’s policy document on mine action, this includes abandoned improvised explosive devices.My Department measures the impact of mine action programmes by the amount of land released and available for productive use, rather than the number of devices removed, and through the number of beneficiaries of mine risk education. Programmes deliver life-saving mine risk education sessions to ensure communities living in some of the most heavily contaminated places in the world understand the dangers of landmines and ERW. Since 2017, we have supported over 17,000 mine risk education sessions benefitting nearly 400,000 boys, girls, men and women.The mine action programme releases land in some of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world, ensuring communities can to return to their homes, travel safely to school and work, and farm their own land. In Iraq the removal of mines and improvised devices is enabling the return of displaced people to areas liberated from Daesh, where civilians are returning voluntarily to find their homes and public facilities significantly contaminated by abandoned improvised explosive devices.The UK also supports national mine action authorities to manage their clearance of their own contamination more efficiently including training staff on quality assurance techniques and improving national mine action databases to make the most effective use of resources and ensure the most vulnerable communities have their land cleared.

Land Mines: Bomb Disposal

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans her Department has to ensure that its work on landmines will be updated to include appropriate responses to the rise in the global use of improvised explosive devices.

Penny Mordaunt: The DFID Global Mine Action Programme tackles the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in 14 of the most heavily contaminated countries in the world, including those contaminated by abandoned improvised explosive devices. As set out in the UK’s policy document on mine action, ERW includes abandoned improvised explosive devices.

Department for International Development: Brexit

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many members of staff of her Department have been seconded to other government departments or agencies to work on preparations for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in each month since those secondments first commenced by (a) civil service grade and (b) destination department.

Alistair Burt: In line with its commitment to support other government departments with their immediate resourcing needs DFID has deployed 74 employees on short term loan to support essential work related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.The tables below outline the number of staff seconded to other government departments or agencies, by grade and by destination department, as at 14 March.CS GradeExisting Loan Pre Dec-18Dec-18Jan-19Feb-19Mar-19TotalSCS11G61 1  2G72 271930SEO  23 5HEO 1561123EO11ETP 111  12Total31211163274 Other Government DepartmentExisting Loan Pre Dec-18Dec-18Jan-19Feb-19Mar-19TotalB.I.G   21315BEIS11CO   2 2DCMS11DEFRA 12101 23DExEU77DIT 2 18516DIT (TfD)   1 1FCO257NIO11Total31211163274

Department for International Development: Brexit

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with (a) trade unions and (b) other associations representing staff of her Department on secondments of her Department's staff to work on matters relating to the UK's withdrawal from the EU; and if she will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: DFID HR officials met with representatives of the FDA trade union on 17 December 2018 to discuss the proposed response to requests for DFID to support other government departments with their preparation for EU exit. The group discussed the prioritisation exercise that had been commissioned by DFID’s Executive Committee in order to understand the extent of resource that could be deployed, whilst still protecting DFID’s essential business and 0.7% commitment. They also discussed the support that would be available to staff, including the key principle of protecting wellbeing during this time and invited feedback from members to help inform this approach.

Department for International Development: Brexit

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the effect on her Department's performance against its aims and objectives of the secondment of staff of her Department to other government departments to work on matters relating to the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

Alistair Burt: Essential DFID business must continue to ensure that we meet the 0.7% commitment, with impact and value for money. EU exit will also not prevent us from continuing the lifesaving humanitarian work that we carry out around the world. In order to protect this core work, senior leaders in DFID have undertaken a prioritisation exercise to effectively manage the impact of deployments across business areas.

Department for Education

Education and Skills Funding Agency: Applications

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reason gender is a mandatory field on funding applications to the Education and Skills Funding Agency; and whether he plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of that agency's funding application form.

Nick Gibb: Holding answer received on 15 March 2019



The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) does not collect ‘gender’ on funding applications to the ESFA – it collects data on ‘sex’. This is in order to ensure that the ESFA has an awareness of whether applications are coming from men or women. The Department regularly reviews policies to ensure they are relevant and up to date. However, there is no statutory or policy requirement at this time to collect additional information from providers on gender. Amendments and additions to individual learner record data collections also incur costs to the sector and as such, the Department has no right to request it. The responsibility for this level of monitoring sits with the sector and with employers to ensure they are following the law.

Children: Social Services

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the correlation between funding for children’s services between 2010-11 and 2017-18 and the number of (a) referrals to children’s services, (b) referrals to children's services within 12 months, (c) children in need, (d) child protection enquiries, (e) child protection plans and (f) looked after children over that period.

Nadhim Zahawi: Funding for children’s services is made available through the Local Government Finance Settlement (LGFS) which gives local authorities flexibility to target spending according to local needs and to fulfil their statutory responsibilities, including services for children and families. Since 2010, the responsibilities of local authorities and the makeup of their funding streams have changed significantly, including the move for local authorities to retain locally raised business rates. Therefore, wider spending power measures are not directly comparable over this period. Over the 5 year period from 2015-16 to 2019-20, councils have access, through the LGFS, to over £200 billion to deliver local services, including children’s services. Core spending power increased from £45.1 billion in 2018-19 to £46.4 billion in 2019-20. In addition to this the Autumn Budget announced a further £410 million in 2019-20 for local authorities to invest in adult and children’s social care services. It also announced £84 million of extra funding, over the next 5 years, to support local authorities to invest in initiatives that improve social work practice and decision making. Due to discontinuity in methods used for some of the data collected, we only look at trends in these numbers from 2013. The department’s data shows that since 2013, the number of referrals, children in need, child protection enquiries, children on child protection plans and looked after children at 31 March have risen by 10.5%, 7.1%, 50.9%, 24.5% and 10.7% respectively. The most common factors recorded in children’s social care assessments are domestic abuse and mental health. These have been consistently the top 2 factors for the years during which we have collected this data and have risen in line with trends in demand.

Department for Education: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Anne Milton: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has not had any one-to-one meetings with the Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019. However, during this time, the Chief Scientific Adviser has been present at two meetings my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has held with officials, and regularly provides written advice.

Arts: Teachers

Mike Kane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many primary schools have specialist arts teachers.

Nick Gibb: The information requested is not held centrally.

Pre-school Education: Children in Care

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what percentage of children in each reception class intake in each of the last 20 years have been in care.

Nadhim Zahawi: The information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.The number of schools and pupils in England, including the total number of pupils in reception, is published at the annual ‘Schools, pupils and their characteristics’ statistical release, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/schools-pupils-and-their-characteristics-january-2018.The number of children looked after in England is published in the annual ‘Children looked after in England including adoption’ statistical release, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/children-looked-after-in-england-including-adoption-2017-to-2018.

Education: Standards

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the UK's tenth place rating in the Worldwide Educating for the Future Index 2018 produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Anne Milton: We are delighted that the Worldwide Educating for the Future Index 2018 highlights that the UK is a high performer, 10th out of 50 countries. In particular, it shows that the UK is a top destination for international students, with almost 1 in 5 students studying at UK universities coming from abroad.Standards are rising in our schools, with 84% of pupils now attending good or outstanding schools, compared to 66% in 2010. We look towards the best education systems in the world to help propel our reforms and consolidate our performance as we strive for a truly world class education for everyone.

Schools: Finance

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to engage with head teachers who have expressed concerns with respect to reductions in school funding.

Nick Gibb: Ministers and officials from the Department regularly meet head teachers and representatives of head teachers, including the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the primary head teacher reference group, and the secondary head teacher reference group. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education attended NAHT’s annual conference in May 2018, ASCL’s national conference in March 2018 and again last week. Department officials meet all the head teacher unions every month. School funding is frequently discussed as part of these meetings. Additionally, all education ministers regularly visit schools and spend time with head teachers and staff.The Department recognises the pressures that parts of the school system are facing. The Government continues to invest in the school system, with school funding at a record high. The Department is also providing the sector with more than half a billion pounds to fund teacher pay increases. Alongside this, the Department will be putting a strong case to Her Majesty's Treasury for the next spending review.

English Language: Immigration

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the White Paper entitled The UK’s future skills-based immigration system, published in December 2018, what additional funding his Department plans to make available to support their English language strategy beyond the current English Language Co-ordination Fund; and on what basis those funds will be allocated.

Anne Milton: As part of the government’s response to the Integrated Communities Strategy green paper, the government has committed to developing a new strategy for English for speakers of other languages in 2019.We are currently in the process of developing the strategy. Funding for all programmes beyond 2019/20, including any potential funding for this strategy, if needed, will be set during the upcoming Spending Review, which we expect to take place later this year.

Pupils: Sanitary Protection

Angela Rayner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Spring Statement 2019, when he plans to publish details of the funding announced for the provision of free sanitary products in schools and colleges.

Nadhim Zahawi: No one should be held back from reaching their potential because of their gender or background. That is why my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Spring Statement on 13 March 2019 that the Department for Education will lead a scheme to provide access to free sanitary products in all secondary schools and colleges in England. The annual cost of this provision will depend on the specific nature of the delivery approach and we will refine costs as part of our policy development. Precise funding arrangements will be confirmed as part of the 2019 Spending Review.

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Edward Argar: The responsibilities of a Chief Scientific Advisor are performed by the Director of Analysis in the Ministry of Justice. The Director of Analysis attended meetings with the Secretary of State on one occasion between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when criminal legal aid remuneration rates were last raised in real terms for legal professionals.

Lucy Frazer: Criminal defence lawyers play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and the Government greatly values their contribution. Last year we spent £1.6bn on legal aid, with more than half on criminal legal aid. In addition, following consultation with the profession, we increased overall funding of the Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS) by £23m and brought forward a 1% increase in fees which came into effect along with the new scheme on 31 December 2018. This represents a 10% increase on AGFS spend in 2016-17. In addition, we are conducting a fundamental review of criminal legal aid fee schemes, which will report back by the end of Summer 2020. This will go far beyond our previous proposals, including pre-charge advice at the police station, advice and advocacy services in the Magistrates’ Court, and litigation and advocacy services in the Crown Court.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of low remuneration rates for criminal solicitors on recruitment to the profession.

Lucy Frazer: Defence solicitors carry out valuable work and we are determined to ensure publicly-funded criminal defence work remains a sustainable and attractive profession. That is why a fundamental review of criminal legal aid fee schemes is currently underway. This will go far beyond our previous proposals, including pre-charge advice at the police station, advice and advocacy services in the Magistrates’ Court, and litigation and advocacy services in the Crown Court, and will report back by the end of Summer 2020. The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) monitors capacity across criminal legal aid contracts on a regular basis and takes action to ensure there is ongoing availability of criminal legal advice for the public. Last year we spent £1.6bn on legal aid, with more than half on criminal legal aid.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, who his Department is consulting with as part of its review into criminal legal aid fees.

Lucy Frazer: We will be working with a range of agencies and stakeholders – and the criminal defence profession in particular – to gather the necessary evidence to ensure this review is as robust and wide-ranging as possible. We are currently scoping the review and are already working with the professions to determine the specific issues that the review should consider. A defence practitioner advisory panel has been established to ensure practitioners’ views are carefully considered as part of the review. This includes representatives from the:Bar CouncilBar Council Young Barristers' CommitteeBig Firms’ GroupChartered Institute of Legal ExecutivesBar Circuit LeadersCriminal Bar AssociationCriminal Law Solicitors’ AssociationLaw SocietyLaw Society Junior Lawyers DivisionLegal Aid Practitioners GroupLondon Criminal Courts Solicitors’ AssociationPublic Defender ServiceSolicitors’ Association of Higher Court AdvocatesYoung Legal Aid Lawyers We will also engage with wider stakeholders, including relevant experts and user engagement groups.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the continued viability of the criminal legal aid sector while his review of criminal legal aid fees is ongoing.

Lucy Frazer: The Government is clear that there are sufficient solicitors and barristers to undertake criminal legal aid-funded cases and will make sure this continues to be the case. The Legal Aid Agency monitors capacity across criminal legal aid contracts on an ongoing basis. Where issues are identified, the LAA takes action to ensure there is ongoing availability of criminal legal advice for the public. Last year we spent £1.6bn on legal aid, with more than half on criminal legal aid.

Legal Aid Scheme

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice,  what assessment he has made of the effect on justice of the limit on what can be paid through the Legal Aid Agency for experts’ reports in criminal cases.

Lucy Frazer: We must continue to ensure that every aspect of fee remuneration represents value for money for the taxpayer. This includes the fees currently paid to experts. However, we recognise that in some specific areas, it is necessary to pay a particular level of rates to secure the necessary expertise. Therefore, the rates for some specific expert types vary, based on the nature of the expertise. Furthermore, solicitors can apply for higher expert fees under exceptional circumstances in cases where an expert’s evidence is key to the client’s case, and where either an expert with a high degree of seniority is required due to the complexity of the material, or the material is of a specialised and unusual nature that only very few experts are available to provide the necessary evidence.

Courts: Closures

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 5 February 2019 to Question 214022 on Courts: Closures, for how many years do staff who move their work location to an alternative court as part of the Estates Rationalisation Programme have access to the Excess Fares Allowance; and if he will make a statement.

Lucy Frazer: Staff who incur additional travel costs as a result of a permanent compulsory transfer from their current work location to an alternative location, as part of the Estates Rationalisation Programme, will have access to Excess Fares Allowance for a period of 3 years. In certain exceptional circumstances the period of Excess Fares Allowance may be extended by an additional year.

Courts: Closures

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has commissioned any research into changes to journey times to courts for (a) witnesses, (b) victims of crime and (c) court staff in areas where courts have closed as a result of the Estate Rationalisation Programme.

Lucy Frazer: The decision to close a court is never taken lightly. In the case of each court closure, we undertook a public consultation exercise and considered the responses we received very carefully. The Lord Chancellor has only agreed to close courts when satisfied that effective access to justice would be maintained. Research and analysis of changes to journey times for those who attend court is conducted and published as part of the consultation process. The analysis is further reviewed based on responses to the consultation and is carefully considered by the Lord Chancellor before final decisions are made regarding the future of a court.

Crown Courts: ICT

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the Crown Court Digital Case System is operated by HM Courts and Tribunals Service or contracted to a third-party supplier.

Lucy Frazer: Digital Case System (DCS) is operated by a third-party supplier, Netmaster Solutions LTD (NSL).

Women's Centres: Greater London

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what services will be provided at the women’s centre to be built on the former site of HMP Holloway.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when his Department expects the women’s centre to be built on the former site of HMP Holloway to be opened.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many women his Department expects the women’s centre to be built on the former site of HMP Holloway will provide services for (a) each month and (b) each year.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department has identified an operator for the women’s centre to be built on the former site of HMP Holloway.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the money from the sale of the former site of HMP Holloway will be paid to his Department in a single instalment.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much funding the Government expects to make available each year to the women’s centre to be opened on the former site of HMP Holloway.

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what proportion of the profits from the sale of the former site of HMP Holloway will be invested by the Government in (a) existing women’s centres, (b) expanding the number of women’s centres, (c) existing female prisons, (d) existing male prisons, (e) new female prisons, (f) new male prisons, (g) other services operated by HMPPS, (h) other services operated by his Department and (i) other areas of expenditure.

Edward Argar: On 8 March the sale of the former Holloway prison site to social housing group Peabody in partnership with London Square Ltd was announced. The sale will help drive forward the Government’s commitment to invest in our prison estate, including to replace ageing prisons with modern, purpose-built establishments, which improve rehabilitation and create safe and secure environments. We have worked closely with the local authority to ensure the amount of affordable housing on the site meets the planning requirement and we are pleased that the proposed development will achieve this aim, while also giving best value to the taxpayer. The money, which was received as a single payment, from this sale forms part of the Department’s overall budget and so is supporting our initiatives to deliver safer prisons which better support resettlement and ultimately reduce reoffending.The plans for the women’s centre were set out in the proposals for the site announced by Peabody and London Square who are leading on this important initiative and the development of the site.

Probation: Private Sector

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister of State for Justice of 4 March 2019, Official Report, column 698 on the Privatised Probation System, when he plans to meet with the hon. Member for Sefton and the family of Sam Cook.

Rory Stewart: My private office has contacted the hon. Member’s office and will arrange a meeting in due course.

Department for International Trade

Department for International Trade: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Graham Stuart: My Rt Hon. Friend the Secretary for State and Chief Scientific Adviser met for a one-to-one meeting on 19th December 2019. The Secretary of State and Chief Scientific Adviser also led a delegation of 100 to the annual CES in the USA from the 7th to 10th of January 2019. The Chief Scientific Adviser contributes fully to policy development, including through frequent meetings with the Permanent Secretary, Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and other members of the Department for International Trade’s Executive Committee; as well as engaging more broadly with policy development such as through the Chief Scientific Advisers’ Network.

Trade Agreements

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent steps he has taken to prepare companies that trade with countries under EU free trade agreements (FTA) where the provisions of those FTAs have not been replicated.

George Hollingbery: Our priority is securing a deal with the European Union as this will avoid disruption to our global trading relationships. However, we must prepare for all eventualities.The Government has published advice to businesses on trade continuity in a no deal, including a highly cautious list of those agreements that will not be in place, in order that businesses and individuals ensure that they are prepared for every eventuality.Should replacement agreements not be ready in time for 29 March 2019, the Government is considering a range of options to ensure that its continuity agreements can be brought into force as soon as possible.

Arms Trade: Exports

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will publish the (a) white list of countries to which UK companies can ship Category C military goods under OGTC licences, (b) number of licences granted each year since 2010 and (c) names of the countries in which the end user for those licences is based.

Graham Stuart: The Open General Trade Control Licence (Category C Goods) is published online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/open-general-trade-control-licence-category-c-goods The destinations to which Category C goods may be shipped under the licence are specified in paragraph 1 and schedule 2 of the licence itself. Traders do not apply for general licences; instead they register via DIT’s online licensing system known as SPIRE. The number of registrations in each quarter for each open general licence are published as Official Statistics, as part of the Government’s quarterly licensing data and is available on gov.uk at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/strategic-export-controls-licensing-data.

Motor Vehicles: Import Duties

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the automotive sector on the potential economic effect of the imposition of tariffs in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

George Hollingbery: If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK will implement a temporary tariff for up to 12 months. The Government held informal conversations specifically in relation to tariff policy throughout the summer of 2018 with businesses, including the automotive sector. The market sensitivities around the policy and ongoing EU negotiations have meant a formal consultation with business was not possible. However, a full consultation and review on a permanent approach would be undertaken during the 12 months.

Trade Agreements: NHS

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the needs of the NHS in negotiating future trade deals.

George Hollingbery: The Department for International Trade works with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure a clear cross-Government position on the protection of the NHS in future trade agreements. Protecting the UK’s right to regulate in the public interest and protect public services, including the NHS, is of the utmost importance. The Government has been consistently clear that we are committed to the fundamental principles of the NHS - that it is universal and free at the point of need. We will ensure that no trade agreements alter these fundamental facts.

UK Trade in Numbers

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of the publication entitled UK Trade in Numbers, published on 26 February 2019.

George Hollingbery: The Official Statistics publication “UK Trade in Numbers” was made freely available on GOV.UK on 26 February as the primary means of access. The cost of printing the 1,200 hard copies of this publication was £1,256.32. Or just over a £1 per pocketbook. This publication provides a substantial source of information to help inform how the UK meets the challenges of trade policy and promotion.

Trade Agreements: Israel

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, for what reason (a) article 4 of the Trade and Partnership Agreement between the UK Government and the Government of Israel describes the territoriality of only the UK and (b) the territoriality of Israel is referred to only in the explanatory memorandum; what legal force the explanatory memorandum has; and what assurances the Government has given to the state of Israel on accepting the territorial limitation of that UK-Israel agreement.

George Hollingbery: With regard to Israel, the EU-Israel Trade Agreements apply to the State of Israel and this same territorial application is incorporated into the UK-Israel agreement, without change. The UK has been clear that it does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), including the settlements, as part of the State of Israel and that the OPTs are not covered by the UK-Israel Agreement. The incorporated territorial application of the EU-Israel agreements has had to change with regard to the UK, to reflect our departure from the EU. The UK-Israel agreement, therefore, makes clear that it applies to the UK and the territories for whose international relations it is responsible. The Explanatory Memorandum is laid before Parliament to assist parliamentary scrutiny of the UK-Israel agreement.

Trade Agreements: Israel

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the Trade and Partnership Agreement between UK Government and the Government of the State of Israel presented to Parliament in February 2019, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the provisions of the UK-Israel Agreement are not applied to Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

George Hollingbery: The UK does not recognise the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), including the settlements, as part of the State of Israel. The OPTs are not covered by the current EU-Israel Trade Agreements, nor by the UK-Israel Agreement. Products produced in the Israeli settlements, located within the territories brought under Israeli administration since June 1967, are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the EU-Israel Trade Agreements. These areas are set out in a list of postcodes, which will be hosted on gov.uk, alongside a notice to importers. Tariff preferences will be implemented by UK customs authorities.

Trade Agreements: Israel

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what provisions there are in the Trade and Partnership Agreement between the UK Government and the Government of Israel for monitoring the adherence by both parties to duties to respect democratic principles and human rights; how respect for democratic principles and human rights is defined; whether those rights are based on (a) international and (b) European law; whether respect for democratic principles and human rights (i) is limited to the territories of each party or (ii) includes territories annexed or under the control of each party; and what the effect on the agreement is of one party not respecting democratic principles and human rights.

George Hollingbery: The provisions of the EU-Israel Trade Agreements concerning human rights are incorporated into the UK-Israel Agreement, without modification. Accordingly, the UK-Israel Agreement provides that respect for democratic principles and human rights constitute an essential element of the Agreement. This is based on international obligations applicable to both parties.The UK has long supported the promotion of our values globally and this will continue as we leave the EU. We are committed to upholding the UK’s high standards and will consider the full range of mechanisms available to us in doing so.We repeatedly call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and have a regular dialogue with Israel on human rights and legal issues relating to the occupation, including settlements and the treatment of Palestinian children in military custody.

Trade Agreements: Public Sector

Luke Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that contracts for the delivery of (a) NHS and (b) other public services will be excluded from future trade deals.

George Hollingbery: I refer my Hon. Friend for Ochil and South Perthshire to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Midlothian on 26 February 2019, UIN 224362.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

First Time Buyers

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many starter homes have been completed to date.

James Brokenshire: The revised National Planning Policy Framework, published in July last year, brought starter homes within the definition of affordable housing, as per our Housing White Paper commitment. We intend to lay the secondary legislation to enable the delivery of starter homes before Parliament later in the Spring.In the meantime we are supporting people's aspirations to buy through a range of initiatives including Help to Buy, Right to Buy and greater funding for Shared Ownership. Since Spring 2010 Government-backed schemes have helped over half a million households to buy a home and the number of first-time buyers is at a twelve-year annual high.

Housing Revenue Accounts

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has made an estimate of the number of new properties that could be built if the housing revenue account borrowing cap was removed.

Kit Malthouse: On 29 October 2018, we confirmed that the Housing Revenue Account borrowing cap had been abolished in full with immediate effect. Local authorities are now free to borrow to build new council homes in accordance with the Prudential Code and will not need to apply to the Government for permission to borrow. We expect councils to double delivery to around 10,000 new homes a year by 2021/22.

Planning Permission: Urban Areas

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential effect of changes to permitted development rights on the long-term viability of high streets and town centres.

Kit Malthouse: Through our consultation Planning Reform: Supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes which closed on 14 January 2019, we have consulted a range of proposals and considered the responses received.As announced in the written ministerial statement made on 13 March 2019, HCWS1408, it is now our intention to bring forward a range of reforms. To support the high street we intend to introduce additional flexibilities for businesses. These include new permitted development rights to allow change between high street uses.

Empty Property

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to bring unoccupied properties back into use.

Kit Malthouse: The Government has given strong powers and incentives to local authorities to tackle empty homes. From 1 April 2019, they will have discretion to increase the maximum level of premium charged on properties that have been empty for more than two years, from 50 per cent to 100 per cent extra council tax, through new powers afforded by the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018. In addition, the New Homes Bonus allows local authorities to earn the same financial reward for bringing an empty home back into use as building a new one.Under certain circumstances, local authorities can apply for an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) to temporarily take over the management of a property that has been empty for more than two years in order to bring it back into use. They must provide evidence that the property represents a nuisance, and that there is community support for their proposal.

Birds: Conservation

Sir Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the (a) number and (b) effectiveness of nets used by developers to prevent birds nesting in trees.

Kit Malthouse: My Department does not hold this information. The Government is committed to the protection of birds and trees and recognises their significant value. The revised National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising the impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity. All wild birds are protected by provisions in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Buildings: Insulation

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2019 to Question 229147 on Buildings: Insulation, whether his Department plans to test the higher-risk scenario of high-pressure laminate panels with combustible insulation behind them.

Kit Malthouse: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Buildings: Insulation

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2019 to Question 229147 on Buildings: Insulation, whether in the event that that test results in failure his Department will advise that all buildings with that combination of materials be stripped of combustible cladding.

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2019 to Question 229147 on Buildings: Insulation, whether in the event that that combination of materials passes that test his Department will conduct further large-scale tests with high-pressure laminate panels and combustible insulation materials as took place with aluminum composite material cladding in summer 2017.

Kit Malthouse: The Department will consider, with the advice of the Independent Expert Panel, the results of this test and other available information, whether any further action is necessary.

Buildings: Insulation

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2019 to Question 229147 on Buildings: Insulation, whether his Department has estimated the number of buildings with high-pressure laminate cladding and stone wool insulation.

Kit Malthouse: The Department does not hold data on whether buildings are clad with high-pressure laminate and stone wool insulation, and therefore, we cannot provide an estimate. The Department issued updated advice in December 2017 to assist buildings owners to manage any non-Aluminium Composite Material related risks to their buildings.

Buildings: Insulation

Mr Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 March 2019 to Question 229147 on Buildings: Insulation if he will inform the House before that test is conducted.

Kit Malthouse: I advised the House of our intention to carry out this test on 4 February in my answer of to the Honourable Member’s question (UIN214563). I will ensure that the House is kept informed.

Housing: Standards

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will publish further detail on the proposed Future Homes Standard.

James Brokenshire: The Future Homes Standard will be implemented through an uplift to the Building Regulations, subject to consultation. We will expand on the technical detail of these proposals during the 2019 consultation.

Funerals

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many public health funerals there have been since 2010; and what the cost to the public purse has been of those funerals.

Rishi Sunak: The information requested is not held centrally.

Local Government: Redundancy Pay

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local government employees have received exit payments in excess of £95,000 since 1 January 2017.

Rishi Sunak: The Department does not collect this data. Local authorities are independent employers and, as such, Government has a limited role in local government workforce matters. Data from the Government Actuaries Department, which looked at 36,232 redundancies covering 2013-2016 (the most recent data available) suggested that 7.7 per cent would have had exit payments in excess of £95,000, including any pensions strain cost that may have been payable to their pension fund. HM Treasury is leading on reforms to public sector pay and will be consulting on how the cap will work in practice shortly. MHCLG will be responsible for implementing those arrangements for local government.

Ministry of Defence

Armed Forces: Weather

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what cold weather equipment his Department provides to soldiers.

Stuart Andrew: Whether on deployment or exercise, soldiers are supplied with the right equipment for the operational climate. On joining the Army, all soldiers are provided with clothing designed to protect them from all climate conditions experienced in the UK and Western Europe. Soldiers who subsequently deploy to colder climates, such as Estonia, are provided with additional items such as face masks, hats, gloves, cold weather boots, undershirts, thermal jackets and trousers and socks all specifically designed to protect them from the effects of temperatures they will experience.

RAF Menwith Hill

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the two space-based infra-red system radomes at NSA/NRO Menwith Hill are a fully operational part of the US missile defence system.

Mark Lancaster: There are three radomes at RAF Menwith Hill that form part of the US Space Based Infra-Red System, and these radomes are a fully operational part of the US Defence Support Programme Missile Warning facilities.

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2019 to Question 228159 on Saudi Arabia: Military Aid, whether UK military personnel alerted the chain of command of any suspected violations of international humanitarian law by the Royal Saudi Airforce since the March 2015 intervention in the civil war in Yemen.

Mark Lancaster: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) monitors incidents of alleged international humanitarian law (IHL) violations arising from airstrikes reportedly conducted by the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen using all available information, including from government sources, foreign governments, the media and international non-governmental organisations.In cases where UK military personnel receive information that riases concerns in relation to suspected violations of IHL by the Royal Saudi Airforce, this is considered as part of the MOD monitoring process. Since March 2015, no UK military personnel in Saudi Arabia have reported witnessing suspected violations of international humanitarian law.

NATO

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Government's objectives are in participating in the NATO Allied Command Transformation programme.

Mark Lancaster: Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is one of NATO's two Strategic Commands and prepares the Alliance for new security challenges.The UK objective for supporting ACT and its programmes is part of our overall commitment to NATO as the Alliances leading European ally. ACT has an important role in modernising the Alliance to meet current and future defence and security threats. The UK fully supports these modernisation initiatives.

NATO

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many British Army officers at the rank of colonel and above are currently attached to NATO Transformation Command; what ranks they are; and what roles they are performing at NATO Transformation Command.

Mark Lancaster: The number of British Army officers at the rank of Colonel (NATO Rank OF-5) and above, currently in posts in NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is four.The location and posts occupied are:  LocationPostRankACT-HQ SACT - VirginiaBranch Head (Medical)Colonel (OF-5)ACT-HQ SACT - VirginiaSection Head (Intel and Environmental Disciplines)Colonel (OF-5)ACT-HQ SACT-Staff Element Europe - MonsBranch Head (Capability Targets & Review)Colonel (OF-5)ACT-Joint Warfare Centre - StavangerDivision Head (Joint Training)Colonel (OF-5)

Armed Forces: Housing

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's Void Reduction Plan; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: A copy of the Department's Service Family Accommodation Void Reduction Plan has been placed in the Library of the House.The Department is delivering a Void Reduction Plan to reduce the number of vacant Service Family Accommodation properties from around 11,000 to the optimal 10% management margin of around 5,000 by 2022.This will be achieved through a combination of anticipated increase in occupation by Service personnel and families, disposal, demolition of derelict properties, sub-letting to civilian tenants, and wider estate optimisation.The announcement in this House on 28 February concerning the Department's revised plans for the future laydown of the Estate under the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme are currently being incorporated into the Void Reduction Plan. 



UK SFA
(PDF Document, 258.21 KB)

Saudi Arabia: Military Aid

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) RAF personnel and (b) BAE Systems personnel seconded under Government-to-Government agreements work in direct support of Royal Saudi Air Force operational squadrons engaged in the war in Yemen; what the functions are of those personnel; and what restrictions are placed on their support for active operations.

Mark Lancaster: UK personnel provide routine engineering and generic training support for UK-supplied aircraft and aircrews assigned to operational squadrons under long-standing Government-to-Government arrangements.These personnel do not provide direct support for Royal Saudi Air Force operational squadrons when engaged in the war in Yemen. They do not prepare aircraft for operations, this includes a prohibition on the loading of weapons, and they are not involved in the planning of operational sorties.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of co-ordinating re-assessments for disabled claimants in receipt of employment support allowance and personal independence payments to avoid people having to undergoing multiple re-assessments.

Justin Tomlinson: We are committed to assessing people with health conditions and disabilities fairly and accurately, helping people to access the right support. We have already introduced the Severe Conditions Criteria for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)/Universal Credit (UC) claimants who have the most severe and lifelong health conditions. As well as providing ongoing awards with light touch review at ten years for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants with the highest needs, where those needs will not improve. I do consider there are potential merits, and the Department recently announced our intention to create an integrated service for PIP and Work Capability Assessments to join up processes around the assessments. This will streamline the customer journey, enabling more user-friendly and joined-up benefit systems. Going further we will also test the feasibility of using a single assessment to determine eligibility for PIP or capability for work within UC/ESA where claims are initially made for both benefits. This should inform our approach to reassessments.

Universal Credit

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how long it takes on average to process an advance payment application for universal credit.

Alok Sharma: If a claimant meets the conditions for an advance we aim to make the payment within 72 hours. However, an advance can be paid on the same day the claimant applies if they or their household would suffer genuine hardship if they had to wait 72 hours for the payment.Applications for a Universal Credit advance payment can be made in person, by telephone or online depending on the claimant’s circumstances. Depending on the type of advance payment application, we will consider whether the claimant satisfies the eligibility conditions for receiving the advance. If the claimant is eligible we will agree the amount of the advance and the period over which the advance will be recovered from their future Universal Credit payments. The outcome of the application is explained to the claimant and their online journal updated.

State Retirement Pensions

Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of increasing the state pension age on access to benefits; and if she will make a statement.

Guy Opperman: The Labour Government 1997-2010, the Coalition 2010-2015 and the Conservative Government of 1992-1997 have taken a similar approach to raising State Pension age. Successive Governments have taken care to give proper consideration to the impact of the proposals made in the Pensions Acts of 1995, 2007 and 2011, which each made changes to the State Pension age. The exact form of the assessments has changed over time as the requirements on Government to carry out standardised impact assessments have changed. The Pensions Act 1995 legislated to equalise men and women’s State Pension age at 65, over a 10 year period between 2010 and 2020. Standardised impact assessments had not been introduced at the time, but an overview of the options and evidence considered when developing the policy is provided in the 1993 white paper ‘Equality in State Pension age’. (See attached) The Pensions Act 2007 legislated to introduce a timetable for the increase of State Pension age to 66, 67 and 68. The impact assessment for the Pensions Act 2007 can be found here:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121204130650/http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pensions-bill-ria.pdf The Pensions Act 2011 brought forward the equalisation of the male and female State Pension age at 65 by 18 months, so that it had taken place by November 2018 rather than April 2020. It also brought forward the increase from 65 to 66 by five and a half years, so that it takes place by October 2020 rather than March 2026. The impact assessment for the Pensions Act 2011 can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181462/pensions-bill-2011-ia-annexa.pdf



Equality in State Pension age
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Jobseeker's Allowance: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many job seeker's allowance claimants in Bradford East who were subjected to sanctions in each year from 2010 successfully overturned the sanction decision.

Alok Sharma: The number of job seeker's allowance claimants who have been sanctioned, including information on mandatory reconsiderations and appeals by parliamentary constituency is published and can be found at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Guidance for users is available at: https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html

Social Security Benefits: West Yorkshire

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many children in households affected by the two-child limit on welfare payments are in (a) Bradford East and (b) West Yorkshire.

Alok Sharma: Data published in June 2018, broken down by country can be accessed at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/child-tax-credit-and-universal-credit-claimants-statistics-related-to-the-policy-to-provide-support-for-a-maximum-of-2-children-april-2018. The information on the level requested was not captured in the reporting database and therefore is not available. This was due to the small numbers of Universal Credit cases recorded as being affected by this policy, meaning it is not possible to break down these totals by smaller geographic areas without the risk of identifying individual claimants.

Social Security Benefits: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many successful appeals there have been against decisions on (a) employment and support allowance and (b) personal independence payment claims in Bradford East in each year from 2010.

Justin Tomlinson: Employment and Support AllowanceInformation on appeal outcomes in relation to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Work Capability Assessments by several geographical areas is available on Stat-Xplore.https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html The mandatory reconsideration process was introduced in 2013. The latest available information for Great Britain on the number of mandatory reconsiderations can be found in the ESA Outcomes of Work Capability Assessments quarterly statistics published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/employment-and-support-allowance-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessment It is the intention to produce further geographical breakdowns of these statistics in the future. Between April 2014 and June 2018, 3.7m ESA (post WCA) decisions have been made in Great Britain, of these 8% have been appealed and 4% have been overturned. Personal Independence Payment The information requested for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeals in Bradford East is shown in the table below, by year of appeal clearance. Since PIP was introduced 3.7m decisions have been made in Great Britain up to September 2018, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned. 20142015201620172018  (Jan – Sep)Decision Overturned at Appeal1030130130120Decision Maintained10401208040Appeal Overturn Rate56%45%52%61%74% From 2014 through to September 2018 in Bradford East, of the 720 appeals, 430 (59%) saw the decision overturned. Since PIP was introduced up to September 2018 9,650 initial decisions have been made in Bradford East and 4% have been overturned at appeal. The information requested for PIP Mandatory Reconsiderations (MR) in Bradford East is shown in the table below, by year of MR clearance. 20142015201620172018 (Jan - Oct)New Decision – Award Changed at MR2080130170150Decision Unchanged/Not Revised at MR90400610780630Percentage of MRs where the Decision was Changed15%16%17%18%19%  Note:Data has been rounded to the nearest 10.PIP Appeals data taken from the DWP PIP computer system’s management information. Therefore this data may differ from that held by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service for various reasons such as delays in data recording and other methodological differences in collating and preparing statistics.PIP was introduced in 2013 to replace Disability Living Allowance for working age people.The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode) rather than the location of where the tribunal was held.Decisions overturned at appeal may include a number of appeals that have been lapsed (which is where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal).Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Social Security Benefits: Bradford East

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many successful mandatory reconsiderations against decisions there were for (a) employment and support allowance and (b) personal independence payment claimants in Bradford East in each year from 2010.

Justin Tomlinson: Employment and Support AllowanceInformation on appeal outcomes in relation to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Work Capability Assessments by several geographical areas is available on Stat-Xplore.https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/Guidance on how to use Stat-Xplore can be found here:https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/index.html The mandatory reconsideration process was introduced in 2013. The latest available information for Great Britain on the number of mandatory reconsiderations can be found in the ESA Outcomes of Work Capability Assessments quarterly statistics published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/employment-and-support-allowance-outcomes-of-work-capability-assessment It is the intention to produce further geographical breakdowns of these statistics in the future. Between April 2014 and June 2018, 3.7m ESA (post WCA) decisions have been made in Great Britain, of these 8% have been appealed and 4% have been overturned. Personal Independence Payment The information requested for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Appeals in Bradford East is shown in the table below, by year of appeal clearance. Since PIP was introduced 3.7m decisions have been made in Great Britain up to September 2018, of these 10% have been appealed and 5% have been overturned. 20142015201620172018  (Jan – Sep)Decision Overturned at Appeal1030130130120Decision Maintained10401208040Appeal Overturn Rate56%45%52%61%74% From 2014 through to September 2018 in Bradford East, of the 720 appeals, 430 (59%) saw the decision overturned. Since PIP was introduced up to September 2018 9,650 initial decisions have been made in Bradford East and 4% have been overturned at appeal. The information requested for PIP Mandatory Reconsiderations (MR) in Bradford East is shown in the table below, by year of MR clearance. 20142015201620172018 (Jan - Oct)New Decision – Award Changed at MR2080130170150Decision Unchanged/Not Revised at MR90400610780630Percentage of MRs where the Decision was Changed15%16%17%18%19%  Note:Data has been rounded to the nearest 10.PIP Appeals data taken from the DWP PIP computer system’s management information. Therefore this data may differ from that held by Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service for various reasons such as delays in data recording and other methodological differences in collating and preparing statistics.PIP was introduced in 2013 to replace Disability Living Allowance for working age people.The geography relates to the origin of the claim (i.e. derived from claimant’s postcode) rather than the location of where the tribunal was held.Decisions overturned at appeal may include a number of appeals that have been lapsed (which is where DWP changed the decision after an appeal was lodged but before it was heard at Tribunal).Some decisions which are changed at MR, and where the claimant continues to appeal for a higher PIP award, are then changed again at tribunal appeal. Therefore the number of people who had a decision changed at MR and the number of people who had a decision changed at tribunal appeal cannot be added together.

Personal Independence Payment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer 1 February 2019 to Question 209777 on Personal Independence Payment, what the medical conditions were of personal independence payment claimants who applied under normal rules and died after registering but prior to her Department making a decision on their claim.

Justin Tomlinson: Over 3.5 million applications to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were made under Normal Rules between April 2013 and 30th April 2018. Of these claimants, 11,790 died after registering but prior to the DWP making a decision on their claim. The table below shows the high level category of the main disabling condition, where one is available, of the 11,790 Normal Rules claimants who died after registration but before clearance. The Department only records a claimant’s disability at assessment so does not hold this information where a claimant was disallowed prior to attending an assessment. The cause of death of claimants to PIP is not collated centrally by the Department and the recorded disabling condition may not have been the cause of death of the claimant. Disability CategoryNumber of ClaimantsAutoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)30Cardiovascular disease260Diseases of the immune system#Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract250Endocrine disease60Gastrointestinal disease30Genitourinary disease100Haematological Disease10Hearing disorders#Infectious disease10Malignant disease630Metabolic disease10Multisystem and extremes of age#Musculoskeletal disease (general)170Musculoskeletal disease (regional)160Neurological disease340Psychiatric disorders690Respiratory disease410Skin disease30Unknown or missing8,590Visual disease20Total11,790Source: PIP ADS Notes:These figures include new claims and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP reassessment claims.Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP and DLA computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.SRTI indicator is taken at the point of registration. It is possible for claims to transition between normal rules and special rules for terminally ill people during the claimant journey.The point of application is taken as the day the claimant registered a claim to PIP as recorded on the PIP computer system.This is unpublished data from the PIP computer system’s (PIP CS) management information. It should be used with caution and it may be subject to future revision.Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.‘#’ indicates were fewer than 5 cases.Figures cover claims made up to and including 30th April 2018.GB only. Under the Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 2012 and s125 of Social Security Administration Act 1992 date of death is provided to the Department for all registered deaths. Additionally, next of kin also provide information on the date of death of an individual and this information is used appropriately in the administration of Departmental benefits.

Personal Independence Payment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2019 to Question 209777 on Personal Independence Payment, after how many days on average the 5,290 claimants who applied for personal Independence payment under special rules for terminally ill people died after registering but prior to her Department making a decision.

Justin Tomlinson: Between April 2013 and 30th April 2018, 109,000 applications to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were made under Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI). 5,290 of these 109,000 claimants died after registering but prior to the DWP making a decision on their claim. The median time between a PIP registration under SRTI and the death of a claimant whilst waiting for an initial decision was 6 working days. Notes:These figures include new claims and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP reassessment claims.Special rules indicator is taken at the point of registration. It is possible for claims to transition between normal rules and special rules for terminally ill people during the claimant journey.The point of application is taken as the day the claimant registered a claim to PIP as recorded on the PIP computer system.This is unpublished data from the PIP computer system’s (PIP CS) management information. It should be used with caution and it may be subject to future revision.The median time is the middle value if you were to order all the times within the distribution from lowest value to highest value. The median is presented here instead of the mean because the mean can be unduly affected by outlying cases (e.g. cases were the person has been hard to reach due to being in prison, hospital, failed to attend the assessment on numerous occasions etc.)Figures cover claims made up to and including 30th April 2018.GB only. Under the Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 2012 and S125 of Social Security Administration Act 1992 date of death is provided to the Department for all registered deaths. Additionally, next of kin also provide information on the date of death of an individual and this information is used appropriately in the administration of Departmental benefits.

Personal Independence Payment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2019 to Question 209778 on Personal Independence Payment, how many of the 7,990 personal independence payment claimants who died within six months of their claim being registered and had their claim disallowed applied under normal rules; what conditions such claimants had; and what reasons were given for their claims being disallowed.

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2019 to Question 209778 on Personal Independence Payment, how many of the 7,990 personal independence payment claimants who died within six months of their claim being registered and had their claim disallowed applied under special rules for terminal illness; what conditions such claimants had; and what reasons were given for their claim being disallowed.

Justin Tomlinson: Over 3.6 million applications to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were made between April 2013 and 30th April 2018. Of these, 73,800 claimants died within 6 months of their claim being registered. Prior to any Mandatory Reconsideration or Appeal action, 7,990 of these claimants had their claims disallowed. Table 1A, shows the main disabling conditions of the 7,990 claimants who were disallowed and died within 6 months of their claim being registered, split by whether the claim was lodged under Normal Rules or Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI). The Department only records a claimant’s disability at assessment so does not hold this information where a claimant was disallowed prior to attending an assessment. The cause of death of claimants to PIP is not collated centrally by the Department and the recorded condition may not have been the cause of death of the claimant. Table 1A: Disability Category of claimants who were disallowed and died within 6 months of registration: Registrations to 30th April 2018 and Clearances to 31st October 2018.Disability CategoryNormal RulesSpecial Rules for the Terminally IllTotalAutoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)20#20Cardiovascular disease14010140Diseases of the immune system###Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract11020140Endocrine disease60#60Gastrointestinal disease30#30Genitourinary disease401040Haematological Disease10#10Hearing disorders10#10Infectious disease10#10Malignant disease200790980Metabolic disease###Musculoskeletal disease (general)130#130Musculoskeletal disease (regional)130#130Neurological disease17010180Psychiatric disorders520#520Respiratory disease16010160Skin disease10#10Unknown or missing5,1902105,400Visual disease10#10Total6,9301,0607,990Source: PIP ADS Table 1B shows the outcomes at the initial assessment of the 7,990 claimants who were disallowed and died within 6 months of their claim being registered, split by whether the claim was lodged under Normal Rules or SRTI. Table 1B: Outcome of claimants who died 6 months after registration split by Normal Rules and Special Rules: Registrations to 30th April 2018 and Clearances to 31st October 2018. OutcomeNormal RulesSpecial Rules for the Terminally IllTotalDisallowed pre-referral to the Assessment Provider9605701,530Disallowed due to non-return of Part 2 within the time limit3,9103104,220Disallowed - Failed Assessment1,3201401,460Disallowed - Failed to Attend Assessment75030780Total6,9301,0607,990 Source: PIP ADSNotes:These figures include claims made under both Normal Rules and SRTI and include new claims and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP reassessment claims.The Normal Rules and Special Rules indicator is taken at the point of registration. It’s possible during the claim to move between Normal Rules and Special Rules and vice- versa as the claim progresses. This may mean that someone who registers under Special Rules moves to Normal Rules during the process and is invited to an assessment but is marked as Special Rules here.Data is based on primary disabling condition as recorded on the PIP and DLA computer systems. Claimants may often have multiple disabling conditions upon which the decision is based but only the primary condition is shown in these statistics.The point of application is taken as the day the claimant registered a claim to PIP as recorded on the PIP computer system.The outcome is the first DWP decision recorded on the PIP Computer system. This does not take into account any mandatory reconsideration or Appeal action so some of these claimants may have subsequently been awarded PIP. Some cases do not have a decision recorded.This is unpublished data from the PIP computer system’s (PIP CS) management information. It should be used with caution and it may be subject to future revision.Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.Components may not sum to the whole.Figures cover claims made up to and including 30th April 2018 and clearances up to and including 31st October 2018.“#” indicates fewer than 5 casesGB only. Under the Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 2012 and s125 of Social Security Administration Act 1992 date of death is provided to the Department for all registered deaths. Additionally, next of kin also provide information on the date of death of an individual and this information is used appropriately in the administration of Departmental benefits.

Personal Independence Payment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer on 1 February 2019 to Question 209780 on Personal Independence Payment, how many personal independence payment claimants who died within three months of their initial application being disallowed applied under normal rules; and what conditions those claimants had.

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2019 to Question 209780 on Personal Independence Payment, how many personal independence payment claimants who died within three months of their initial application being disallowed had made previous claims that were refused.

Justin Tomlinson: Over 3.5 million applications to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were made between April 2013 and 30th April 2018 under Normal Rules. Of these, 3,590 claimants died within three months of their initial application being disallowed. The table below shows the number of PIP claimants who died within three months of their application under normal rules being disallowed and these claimants’ disabilities. The Department only records a claimant’s disability at assessment so does not hold this information where a claimant was disallowed prior to attending an assessment. Table: PIP claimants under normal rules who died within three months of their application being disallowed, by category of disability (where available) Disability categoryNo. claimants with this disabilityAutoimmune disease (connective tissue disorders)10Cardiovascular disease90Diseases of the immune system#Diseases of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract70Endocrine disease50Gastrointestinal disease20Genitourinary disease30Haematological Disease#Hearing disorders10Infectious disease10Malignant disease120Metabolic disease#Musculoskeletal disease (general)120Musculoskeletal disease (regional)110Neurological disease120Psychiatric disorders400Respiratory disease110Skin disease10Unknown or missing2,310Visual disease10Total3,590Source: PIP ADS 630 of these claimants had previously been disallowed at least once in their initial application for PIP. In addition, 90 claimants who applied under Special Rules for Terminal Illness (SRTI) died within three months of their initial application being disallowed. Of these, 10 had previously been disallowed at least once in their initial application for PIP. The cause of death of claimants to PIP is not collated centrally by the Department and the recorded condition may not have been the cause of death of the claimant. Notes:These figures include claimants whose initial claim was disallowed after assessment, for failing to attend assessment, for failing to return the PIP2 form or for failing lay rules. This does not take into account any mandatory reconsideration or appeal action so some of these claimants may have subsequently been awarded PIP.Figures include both New Claims and reassessments from Disability Living Allowance (DLA).The point of initial decision on the application to PIP is taken as the day the DWP decision maker made a decision and recorded it on the PIP computer system.This is unpublished data from the PIP computer system’s (PIP CS) management information. It should be used with caution and it may be subject to future revision.Figures are rounded to the nearest 10, “#” indicates a total of less than 5 and “three months” has been taken to be 93 days or less.Figures cover claims made up to and including 30th April 2018.GB only. Under the Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 2012 and s125 of Social Security Administration Act 1992 date of death is provided to the Department for all registered deaths. Additionally, next of kin also provide information on the date of death of an individual and this information is used appropriately in the administration of Departmental benefits.

Personal Independence Payment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 February 2019 to Question 209781 on Personal Independence Payment, what the recorded reasons for claimants being disallowed at initial decision under normal rules.

Justin Tomlinson: With reference to Answer 209781, between April 2013 and October 2018, 5,630 Personal Independence Payments (PIP) claims were registered under Special Rules for Terminally Ill people (SRTI) by claimants who had previously been disallowed at initial decision under normal rules prior to 30th April 2018. To put this into context, over 4 million applications to PIP were made between April 2013 and 31st October 2018. Of these 5,630 initial claims under normal rules, 3,160 (56%) had been disallowed at assessment, 310 (6%) had been disallowed for failing to attend assessment, 2,000 (36%) had been disallowed for failing to return a PIP2 form and 160 (3%) had been disallowed for other reasons prior to an assessment taking place.Notes:These figures include new claims and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP reassessment claims.It is possible for claims to transition between Normal Rules and SRTI during the claimant journey. Included in these figures are claimants assessed under normal rules at the point of initial decision whose subsequent claim was treated as SRTI at the point of registration.These figures include claimants whose case was disallowed at initial decision after assessment, for failing to attend assessment, for failing to return the PIP2 form or for failing lay rules. This does not take into account any mandatory reconsideration or Appeal action so some of these claimants may have subsequently been awarded PIP.Only the most recent initial clearance is counted. For example, a claimant may have had multiple disallowances under Normal Rules for different claims. In such a case, only the most recent initial disallowance to the subsequent registration is counted in this data.Only the closest subsequent registration to the initial clearance as outlined above is counted. For example, a claimant may have made more than one subsequent claim under SRTI. In such a case, only the closest subsequent registration is counted in this data.The point of application is taken as the day the claimant registered a claim to PIP as recorded on the PIP computer system.This is unpublished data from the PIP computer system’s (PIP CS) management information. It should be used with caution and it may be subject to future revision.Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.Figures cover disallowances up to and including 30th April 2018 and subsequent registrations made up to and including 31st October 2018.There has been a slight adjustment to the figures as presented in Answer 209781 to account for claimants who made multiple applications under both Normal Rules and SRTI.GB only.  Under the Social Security (Notification of Deaths) Regulations 2012 and s125 of Social Security Administration Act 1992 date of death is provided to the Department for all registered deaths. Additionally, next of kin also provide information on the date of death of an individual and this information is used appropriately in the administration of Departmental benefits.

Department for Work and Pensions: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many meetings she had with her Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Justin Tomlinson: The Secretary of State had no meetings with the Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019; however, she did meet the Chief Scientific Adviser on 27th November 2018 as one of her first meetings in the Department. Baroness Buscombe meets with the Chief Scientific Adviser on a regular basis in her role as Minister in Charge of Research and Trialling.

Social Security Benefits: Appeals

Sir Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to to reduce the number of claimants' successful claims that go through the tribunal appeal process.

Justin Tomlinson: Our intention is to work with stakeholders to review the mandatory reconsideration process, including exploring what might help us to gather any further evidence earlier in the process so that we can revise decisions before they reach tribunal, where appropriate. It is a complex area and we want to get it right, so our first priority will be to listen so that we can identify what changes might have the greatest impact. At the tribunals themselves, we know the claimant’s oral evidence is often decisive with new written evidence also having an impact. In order to further understand this, we have recruited 150 Presenting Officers, for ESA and PIP appeals, who, aside from helping tribunals reach the right decision, are feeding back their observations to decision makers and assessment providers. These valuable insights will help inform future decision making.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Written Statement of 5 March 2019, Health and Disability Announcement, HCWS1376 and the extension of the contract for the Health and Disability Assessment Service, (a) what the value of that contract extension is, (b) what the terms of that contract extension are and (c) what performance targets have been set out in that contract extension.

Justin Tomlinson: On 5th March 2019, the Secretary of State announced in a Written Ministerial Statement that we intend to extend the HDAS Contract to enable the move to an integrated assessment service.Contract extension negotiations are now underway with the Incumbent provider, the Centre for Health and Disability Assessments, a subsidiary of Maximus. The value, terms and performance targets of the extension period are still to be determined.We do not intend to make material changes to the contracts. Our intention is to protect service delivery to allow for ongoing continuous improvement, and to ensure a safe transition to the new integrated assessment service.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, reference to the Written Statement of 5 March 2019, Health and Disability Announcement, HCWS1376, whether there will be a pilot of the integration of assessment services due to be implemented from 2021.

Justin Tomlinson: The Health Transformation Programme within DWP has been established to transform the currently separate Work Capability Assessment service for ESA and UC, and the PIP assessment service, into an integrated service from 2021. As with any major change, this will take time to design, and it will be rolled out carefully – learning as we go. We will be considering how we test elements of the new service and the end to end customer journey to understand what works in order to ensure the quality of the new service.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the average waiting time at assessment centres in the most recent period for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement.

Justin Tomlinson: All claimants of Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance should expect to be seen within 30 minutes of their scheduled assessment appointment time. The Department does not monitor the average waiting time at the assessment centres for claims to Personal Independence Payment. The average waiting time at assessment centres for Work Capability Assessments in February 2019, was 17.1 minutes. We continue to work closely with the supplier to improve the waiting times whilst maintaining the high level of customer satisfaction assessment.

Universal Credit: Refugees

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment has been made of the ability of refugees arriving through the resettlement programmes to access universal credit on the day of their arrival.

Alok Sharma: A resettled refugee can make a claim to Universal Credit on the day of arrival into the UK. They can make their claim via several channels, including the online service, by telephone, by a home visit or in person at their local Jobcentre Plus office.

Food Poverty

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the report entitled Families and Food in Hard Times: rising food poverty and the importance of children's experience, published by SPERI in 2018, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that wages and social benefits are in combination adequate to provide socially acceptable levels of eating and living.

Justin Tomlinson: Every Government needs to balance the generosity of benefit levels with affordability to the taxpayer and making sure that work pays. This Government continues to spend over £95bn a year on welfare. Since 2016, we have invested an additional £1.7bn a year in Universal Credit, through a reduction in the taper rate, increasing the work allowances for households with children and disabled people and providing additional support for people moving onto UC from existing benefits. This Government has also made sure that work pays. The National Living Wage, rising to £8.21 an hour from April 2019, has given the UK’s lowest earners their fastest pay rise in 20 years. We have cut income tax for over 31 million people and taken four million low earners out of income tax altogether. A typical basic-rate taxpayer now has over £1,000 less in income tax than in 2010. Compared with 2010, there are now over 3.5 million more people in work, 1,024,000 fewer workless households, and, at a near record low, 665,000 fewer children living in workless households This means more families are getting more of their income through earnings. Working Age households and households with children in the bottom 20% of the income distribution now get just over half of their income from employment, up from just over 40% in 2010.Sources of household income by income quintile (Before Housing Costs) for households not containing pensioners, plus households containing both pensioners and children, United Kingdom Quintile   Source of incomeBottom quintile2nd quintile3rd quintile4th quintileTop quintileEarnings4364819092 Investments211152009/10Occupational pensions21222 Miscellaneous54331 State support48301351   Earnings5167818992 Investments311142016/17Occupational pensions22222 Miscellaneous43442 State support40261231 Percentage of household income   Source, Households Below Average Income, DWP

Universal Credit: Disability

Dr Lisa Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will extend the provisions of the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (SDP Gateway) Amendment Regulations 2019 to claimants in receipt of (a) disability premiums and (b) enhanced disability premiums.

Justin Tomlinson: The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions)(SDP Gateway) Amendment Regulations 2019 prevents legacy claimants who are in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium from moving to Universal Credit if they experience a change in circumstances, until they are moved by the Department. This ensures that these claimants will not be moved onto Universal Credit until transitional protections are available. The SDP group has very specific characteristics including substantial care needs, with most having severe disabilities that would limit their ability to work quite significantly. They are also likely to see the greatest financial impact were they to move to Universal Credit following a change in their circumstances. Universal Credit does not replicate the Severe Disability Premium and other disability premiums, which has allowed us to target additional support to a wider group and create a more streamlined system. The Universal Credit rate for the most severely disabled people, the limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA) addition is £328.32 per month, much higher than the equivalent rate for the Employment and Support Allowance support group which is £163.15 per month, and will result in many more people being better off on Universal Credit. The draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 provide for transitional protections for claimants who are moved onto Universal Credit by the Department, without experiencing a change in circumstances, ensuring no-one loses out at the point of transition.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

National Parks Authorities: Finance

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much money has been allocated from the public purse to the National Park Authorities in each year since 2010.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Funding allocated to England’s National Park Authorities[1] each year since 2010 through Defra core grant is as follows: Financial YearMoney allocated to National Park Authorities and the Broads Authority through Defra core grant2010/11 £53,824,0762011/12 £55,216,5682012/13 £52,334,0902013/14 £49,451,5872014/15 £46,569,0832015/16 £44,729,6102016/17 £45,875,3952017/18 £47,127,2832018/19 £47,937,871 National Park Authorities may also access other sources of public funding in addition to the Defra core grant.[1] Includes the Broads Authority.

Livestock: Exports

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 June 2018 to Question 155669 on Livestock: Exports, whether he has plans to include a ban on live animal exports for fattening.

David Rutley: The Government’s manifesto made it clear that we would take early steps to control the export of live farm animals for slaughter, once we leave the European Union.Further to the reply to Question 155669, we asked the Farm Animal Welfare Committee to look at what animal welfare improvements could be made to the transport regulatory regime for all animals and for all purposes; their report is expected shortly. Once we have received that report, we will consider how best to take forward our manifesto commitment. All options, including a possible ban, remain on the table.

Organic Farming

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has in place to (a) expedite agri-environment funding (i) applications and (ii) claims and (b) review rates of reward for the production of public goods to tackle the effect on the cash flow of organic farmers of leaving the EU without a deal.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Having taken over responsibility for this task in October 2018, the Rural Payments Agency is working to process outstanding agri-environment payments and agreements as soon as possible. We know how important these payments are to customers, which is why for Countryside Stewardship claimants, we will be making bridging payments worth 75% of their current claim value to farmers who have not received their advance payments in April. While our priority remains to deliver a negotiated deal, we fully recognise the concerns of the organics sector and are working hard to mitigate the impact of a no deal on organic operators. We have already confirmed that food and feed products that are certified as organic in the EU will be recognised after 29 March at the UK’s discretion. We are working to secure a reciprocal agreement so our operators can continue to export their organic produce to the EU. We currently have no plans to review rates of reward for organic farmers.

Solid Fuels: Heating

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when (a) he or (b) one of his Ministers give evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on heritage rail for its inquiry into the potential effect on UK heritage railways of the proposals in the Government consultation on the cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood; and if he will make a statement.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: I have agreed with the RHM for Loughborough to speak to the APPG, though this is not about giving evidence to an inquiry. We have yet to agree a date. The proposals in the consultation on domestic burning would not prevent heritage railways purchasing the fuels they need, including coal.

Litter: Fines

Justin Madders: To ask the  Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many fines have been issued for littering in each of the last 10 years for which records are available.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: Data collection of fixed penalty notices was discontinued in 2009. Reporting year (April to March)Number2008-0935,4652007-0833,693 The number of fixed penalty notices issued for littering between 2007 and 2009 in England is presented in the table above. These are the most recent years for which records are available.

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he has taken to (a) change the maximum penalty for offences under section 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and (b) make it easier to prosecute attacks on service animals.

David Rutley: The Government has already announced that it will increase the custodial maximum penalty for animal cruelty from 6 months’ imprisonment to 5 years’ imprisonment. In addition, the Government is supporting Sir Oliver Heald’s Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Bill which will make it easier to prosecute someone for attacking a service animal.

Livestock: Transport

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Farm Animal Welfare Committee has completed its review of standards for animal welfare during transport.

David Rutley: The Farm Animal Welfare Committee has not yet submitted its report of the review it has carried out into standards of animal welfare in transport. We expect to receive the report soon.

Pet Travel Scheme

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to seek an exemption for those travelling to the EU with a guide dog in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal and is treated as an unlisted or third country for the purposes of travelling with a pet.

David Rutley: Recognised Assistance Dogs (RADs) are currently able to travel to and from the EU provided they meet the requirements of the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Whatever the outcome of negotiations, under EU rules RADs will have to continue meeting the same requirements as pets (dogs, cats and ferrets) once we have left the EU. This means there would be no exemption for those travelling with a guide dog in the event we leave without a deal. The Government submitted its application for the UK to become a Part 1 listed third country under the Pet Travel Scheme after leaving the EU. We will continue to press the Commission to discuss this option with us. This would mean that the travel requirements for all pet owners, including people with RADs, would be less onerous. On 6 November, Defra published guidance on ‘Pet Travel to Europe after Brexit’ in preparation for the possibility of leaving the EU without a deal. RAD owners are advised to contact their vet at least 4 months before travel to ensure they can continue travelling to the EU in any scenario. The Department has made these communications accessible to blind and partially sighted people and will continue to keep this guidance updated. We are working closely with stakeholders such as Guide dogs UK, Dogs for Good, Eurotunnel, airlines and ferry companies to share communications information and guidance about pet travel after the UK’s departure from the EU.

Wood-burning Stoves

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what criteria his Department uses to classify wood-burning stoves as a smoke exempt appliance.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: An appliance exemption shows that fuel-burning appliances, for example stoves, ovens or boilers, emit smoke below the acceptable limits. Applicants must be able to prove that their appliance meets the necessary requirements and has been tested using acceptable methods at an accredited test centre. The emission limits applicable to appliances are dependent on the size of the appliance. Further details are provided in Hetas’ guidance which can be viewed at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/761622/hetas-appliance-exemption-application-pack-181130.pdf

Coastal Areas: Sea Level

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the risk to those coastal areas likely to be worst affected by rising sea levels.

Dr Thérèse Coffey: The Government has strong national policies on coastal management that actively integrate adaptation to climate change. We defend the coast where it is sustainable and affordable to do so, and let it function naturally in areas where it is not. UK Climate Predictions 2018 (UKCP18) published in November show that sea levels around the UK will continue to rise to the year 2100 under all emission pathways, with increases generally greater in the south than in the north. We can continue to expect increases in extreme coastal water levels driven mainly by increases in mean sea level rise. Over the next six months, the Environment Agency (EA) will be undertaking work to better understand the implications of UKCP18 for flood and coastal erosion activities. In England, coastal authorities have developed a network of Shoreline Management Plans covering the entire coast of England. These plans provide a high level, long term policy framework to manage coastal change over three time horizons: 20, 50 and 100 years. The EA is now working with those coastal authorities to refresh the plans, to ensure that they are up to date and using the latest evidence.

Home Office

Migrant Workers: Self-employed

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his Department has plans to allow self-employed migrants to enter the UK under the proposed future skills-based immigration system.

Caroline Nokes: As we set out in the immigration system White Paper, those wishing to base themselves in the UK to work on a self-employed or freelance basis will continue to able to do so where they are able to qualify under the exceptional talent and business start-up routes. Skilled professionals who are technically self-employed, but effectively filling a position with a UK-based business (for example, barristers) will continue to be able to be sponsored under the new route for skilled and highly skilled workers.We are currently engaging with businesses, employers and other stake-holders on the proposals set out in the White Paper

Migrant Workers: Construction

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the effect on the construction industry of only allowing skilled visas for roles at RQF Level 3 or above; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reducing that requirement to RQF Level 2.

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposals in the Immigration White Paper on the construction industry.

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what engagement he has had with representatives of the construction industry on the Immigration White Paper.

Caroline Nokes: The Government is committed to developing a future borders and immigration system that will cater for all sectors of the UK, including for those who make a very valuable contribution to our construction sectorThe Migration Advisory Committee recommended reducing the level required for those coming to the UK as skilled workers to include those at RQF level 3 and above. They did not recommend a route for low skilled workers. However, the White Paper does propose a temporary short-term workers route which will be open to people at any level.Our proposals in the immigration White Paper, the UK’s Future Skills-Based Immigration System, were accompanied by a full economic appraisal. As the Government has been clear, we are launching a twelve month engagement process in order to listen to businesses and organisations. As part of this, there has already been engagement with the construction sector. We will consider the feedback from this process before making a final decision.

Forced Labour: Construction

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to tackle forced labour in the construction industry.

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to ensure that any future changes to immigration policy do not lead to a rise in forced labour.

Victoria Atkins: The Government is committed to tackling modern slavery in all sectors, including construction, which is why is we reformed the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), giving it a wider remit and police powers to investigate labour market offences across all sectors of the economy.The construction sector has been the focus of increased enforcement activity by the GLAA and other agencies over the last 12 months, with over 20 investigations resulting in several arrests. The GLAA has also established a Construction Protocol in partnership with the industry to protect vulnerable workers and raise awareness of modern slavery.The Government is also using other levers to tackle modern slavery in the sector. Businesses operating in the UK with a turnover above £36m are required to publish annual transparency statements detailing the steps they are taking to address modern slavery in their supply chains.The Home Office is hosting a conference on 27 March to share good practice on tackling modern slavery in public procurement, focussing on high-risk sectors for public sector buyers, including construction.The protection of all persons from forced labour and modern slavery offences remains a key priority for the Government and will of course be taken into account in the development of future immigration policy through engagement with key representative and law enforcement bodies, the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, consultations and impact assessments.Those with lawful immigration status permitting them to work in the UK enjoy full protection under labour market legislation when they engage in employment. Immigration Enforcement will take action against rogue businesses who exploit illegal workers under powers provided in the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 and Immigration Act 2016.

Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2019 to Question 211250, on Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, what new protective tools have been introduced.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 28 January 2019 to Question 211250,  on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, if he will publish the guidance and support for frontline professionals.

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which criterion the Government does not meet in order to ratify Istanbul Convention.

Victoria Atkins: The Government signed the Istanbul Convention to signal the UK’s strong commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). We reaffirmed our commitment to this with the refreshed VAWG strategy which we published on 6th March.We introduced domestic violence protection orders from 2014 and female genital mutilation protection orders, sexual harm prevention orders and sexual risk orders in 2015.We have published a range of guidance and support for frontline professionals, including:• Statutory guidance on the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-guidance-framework-controlling-or-coercive-behaviour-in-an-intimate-or-family-relationship • Multi-agency statutory guidance for the conduct of domestic homicide reviews:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/revised-statutory-guidance-for-the-conduct-of-domestic-homicide-reviews • Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation (FGM):https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-statutory-guidance-on-female-genital-mutilation • A resource pack on FGM:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack • Multi-agency practice guidelines on handling cases of forced marriage:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/322307/HMG_MULTI_AGENCY_PRACTICE_GUIDELINES_v1_180614_FINAL.pdf ; and• Guidance on the role of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-role-of-the-independent-sexual-violence-adviser-isva We are currently running nine day-long events across England and Wales to train around 1,400 professionals in the correct use of forced marriage protection orders and FGM protection orders.The areas of the Convention with which England and Wales are compliant were set out in the report published on 30 October 2018, in line with the requirements of the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Ratification of Convention) Act 2017. As the criminal law and the majority of the areas covered by the Convention are devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Devolved Administrations are considering what legislative or other changes are necessary for compliance with the Convention in their territories.

Deportation: Zimbabwe

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he made of Zimbabwe's human rights record prior to sharing sensitive personal information with the Government of Zimbabwe on potential deportees to that country.

Caroline Nokes: The UK has a long and proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection. But when a decision has been made that a person does not require international protection, the Home Office will take steps to remove that person. Removal is only enforced when the Home Office and the courts conclude that it is safe to do so, with a safe route of return.Re-documentation interviews with officials from receiving countries are a standard part of the Home Office returns process.Once an individual no longer has the right to remain in the UK and a travel document is required to facilitate return, interviews are conducted by officials from diplomatic missions to establish nationality and identity to enable a travel document to be produced. Basic personal information and supporting evidence such as a copy of a passport or birth certificate (if available), are provided to officials to support this process.

Young Offenders

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when his Department last surveyed the characteristics of children and young people involved in crime.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when his Department last made an assessment of the effect of poverty on youth crime.

Mr Nick Hurd: The last survey carried out by the Home Office into the characteristics of children and young people involved in crime was the Offending, Crime and Justice Survey in 2006 which was a self-report survey of a sample of young people aged 10 to 25 asking about their involvement in offending, drug use and anti-social behaviour.However, the Home Office makes use of a wide range of survey, academic and administrative data to inform government’s understanding of the risk factors for children and young people becoming involved in crime. This evidence has been drawn upon to inform the Modern Crime Prevention Strategy (2016) and, more recently, the Serious Violence Strategy (2018). Deprivation has been identified as one a wide range of risk factors associated with involvement in offending. However, these risks interact in complex ways to make some people more prone to involvement in crime than others. The evidence also shows that not all those who grow up in poverty go on to become offenders, and not all offenders come from deprived backgrounds.

Immigration: EU Nationals

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of EU citizens with a criminal record eligible to apply for (a) pre-settled status and (b) settled status.

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether an applicant for (a) pre-settled and (b) settled status whose application has been refused on criminal records grounds is entitled to appeal that decision in the event that the UK leaves the EU (i) with and (ii) without a deal.

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, at what stage an applicant for (a) pre-settled and (b) settled status whose application is denied on criminal records grounds would become an unlawful resident.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Office does not hold estimates of the number of EU citizens with a criminal record who are eligible to apply for immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme.If the draft Withdrawal Agreement is agreed, the Government will implement that agreement, including a right of appeal in respect of citizens’ rights immigration decisions, through the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.If there is no deal, a person who is refused status under the EU Settlement Scheme on criminality grounds and who is therefore liable to be deported will, in respect of pre-exit conduct, have a right of appeal under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016. In respect of post-exit conduct, they will be able to make a human rights claim in relation to any deportation decision and, if that claim is refused, they will have a right of appeal under section 82 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.An EU citizen who is refused leave under the EU Settlement Scheme on the basis of their criminal conduct will not have a right to reside in the UK once a decision is made to deport them on criminality grounds.

Visas: Pakistan

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the refusal rate has been for applications for visitor visas from Pakistan in (a) each of the last (a) three years and (b) three months.

Caroline Nokes: Applications for visit visas are considered against Appendix V of the Immigration Rules and on a case by case basis. Detailed information on how UK Visas and Immigration makes decisions on visitor cases is published at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visit-guidanceInformation on total entry clearance visas (the majority of which are visitor visas) broken down by nationality and outcome (grants, refusals, withdrawals, lapsed) is published in the quarterly Immigration Statistics Visas volume 1 table vi_02_q at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-year-ending-december-2018/list-of-tables

Firearms and Knives: Crime

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of violent crimes that involved the use of a (a) firearm and (b) knife in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects data on the number of offences involving firearms or knives / sharp instruments recorded by the police in England and Wales at the Police Force Area level only.

Refugees: Housing

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the timetable is for his Department to announce plans for future refugee resettlement programmes ahead of the conclusion of the Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme in 2020.

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to support local authorities to maintain their current capacity to resettle refugees.

Caroline Nokes: Work has begun with key stakeholders and international partners on our future Asylum and Resettlement Strategy, which includes consideration of the UK’s resettlement offer beyond 2020.Delivery of the Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) has relied strongly on the principles of collaboration and co-design between central and local government and other partners and it is likely that any future resettlement offer would seek to build on that model.We are grateful to the 300+ local authorities who came forward to participate in the VPRS. Through the collective goodwill and efforts of all involved over 14,900 vulnerable refugees fleeing the brutal conflict have now found safety in the UK to rebuild their lives.

Police

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the change has been in the total number of full time equivalent police officers in each year since 2009.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects and publishes statistics on the number of police officers employed by each police force in England and Wales on a bi-annual basis. These data are published in the ‘Police workforce, England and Wales’ statistical bulletins.Data on the number of police officers in England and Wales, by Police Force Area, as at 31 March each year and going back to March 2007, can be found in the accompanying Open Data Table: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/629362/open-data-table-police-workforce.odsThe latest published figures, representing the picture as at 30 September 2018, can be accessed in ‘Table 1’ of the accompanying data tables here:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-workforce-england-and-wales-30-september-2018

Road Traffic Offences: Prosecutions

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many prosecutions for motoring offences were pursued by the police (a) overall and (b) in each police force area in each year since 2009.

Mr Nick Hurd: The Home Office collects and publishes data on police recorded motoring offences and how they have been resolved by the police. These data are broken down by offences which led to a Fixed Penalty Notice and/or financial penalty; attend a driver retraining course; or face court action which may lead to prosecution. These statistics do not provide the outcome of those summoned to court and therefore do not provide the number of individuals prosecuted for motoring offences.Data on prosecutions for motoring offences are held by the Ministry of Justice and are published in their quarterly ‘Criminal Justice Statistics’ bulletin. The Ministry of Justice has published data on the number of prosecutions for motoring offences, by Police Force Area, up to December 2017, and can be found here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/733991/motoring-tool-2017-update.xlsx

Detention Centres

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has visited an immigration removal centre since his appointment as Home Secretary.

Caroline Nokes: The Home Secretary and Home Office Ministers conduct visits, and host meetings, on the whole spectrum of Home Office business regularly. It is our policy not to provide details of such visits.Information on ministers’ meetings is released quarterly as part of Government transparency and accountability data and is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/home-office-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-july-to-september-2018

Construction: Undocumented Workers

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 26 April 2018 to Question 137044 on Undocumented Workers: Construction, how many of the 85 potential victims of trafficking identified during Operation Magnify who were arrested prior to being identified were subsequently detained; and for which offences the detention took place.

Caroline Nokes: Of the 85 persons identified during Operation Magnify as Potential Victims of Modern Slavery or Human Trafficking (PVoTs), 77 were detained. The Home Office is unable to provide information on the offences for which the detention took place as the information requested is not recorded in a reportable format.

Detention Centres: Training

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether immigration removal centre staff receive training on indicators of trafficking and modern slavery; and what information is covered in that training.

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Immigration Removal Centre staff receive training on identifying vulnerable adults based on his Department's adults at risk in immigration detention policy.

Caroline Nokes: Home Office staff working in all immigration removal centres receive training on identifying vulnerable adults, and to act as first responders to identify and refer potential victims of trafficking or modern slavery to the National Referral Mechanism.Home Office supplier staff have a duty to highlight to the Home Office any detainee who they consider to be an adult at risk, including potential victims of trafficking or modern slavery, so that appropriate action can be taken.Training on the adults at risk in immigration detention policy has been provided to IRC staff, including healthcare staff and other staff who come into contact with detainees.

UK Visas and Immigration: Training

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether UK Visas and Immigration staff receive mandatory training on (a) identifying signs of exploitation and (b) what actions to take if exploitation is identified; and what information is covered in this training.

Caroline Nokes: “UK Visas and Immigration takes the protection of vulnerable applicants seriously and expects staff to complete mandatory e-learning courses on modern slavery. The courses, which cover human trafficking and slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour provide important information on indicators of vulnerability and the actions to be taken in the event that these indicators are identified during interaction with applicants.Additionally, as part of the package of reforms to the National Referral Mechanism, the UK’s system for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, the Home Office is leading a multi-agency review to determine how to strengthen training on identifying and supporting victims for all First Responders, including those at UK Visas and immigration”.

Knives: Crime

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the additional funds for tackling knife crime announced in the Spring Statement will be allocated to (a) the seven police forces with the highest rise in knife crime, (b) Nottinghamshire Police Force and (c) other police forces.

Victoria Atkins: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 13 March that an additional £100 million funding in 19/20 will help in the police’s immediate response to the rise in serious knife crime, enabling priority forces to immediately begin planning to put in place the additional capacity they need. The funding will also be invested in Violence Reduction Units, bringing together a range of agencies including health, education, social services and others, to develop a multi-agency approach in preventing serious violence altogether. It is important that we recognise that greater law enforcement on its own will not reduce serious violence and that we must continue to focus on prevention.The majority of the investment will go towards supporting police forces where violent crime is impacting the most, to take immediate action to sup-press the violence we are seeing, to make our streets safer. We are engaging with partners including the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and we are developing the criteria by which forces will receive this funding

Police: Finance

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the £100m in additional funding for 2019-20 to tackle serious violence announced in the Spring Statement will be allocated to each police force.

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much of the £100m additional funding in 2019-20 to tackle serious violence will be allocated to the Metropolitan Police.

Victoria Atkins: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 13 March that an additional £100 million funding in 19/20 will help in the police’s immediate response to the rise in serious knife crime, enabling priority forces to immediately begin planning to put in place the additional capacity they need. The funding will also be invested in Violence Reduction Units, bringing together a range of agencies including health, education, social services and others, to develop a multi-agency approach in preventing serious violence altogether. It is important that we recognise that greater law enforcement on its own will not reduce serious violence and that we must continue to focus on prevention.The majority of the investment will go towards supporting police forces where violent crime is impacting the most, to take immediate action to suppress the violence we are seeing, to make our streets safer. We are engaging with partners including the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and we are developing the criteria by which forces will receive this funding.

Radicalism: Young People

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to stop the far right radicalising young people online.

Mr Ben Wallace: This Government has been clear there should be no safe spaces online for terrorists and extremists to operate. This includes those engaged in far right radicalisation, as demonstrated by the measures we have taken against National Action and its aliases.We are taking robust action to tackle radicalisation online, by securing the removal of terrorist content. Our approach involves working closely with industry, including through the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, to encourage them to proactively respond and to develop innovative solutions to tackle this problem.But there is still more to do. A White Paper will be published in the coming weeks, setting out measures to tackle online harms, including terrorist and extremist content.

Metropolitan Police: Finance

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much of the £100 million fund to tackle knife crime announced in the Spring Statement will be allocated to the Metropolitan Police.

Victoria Atkins: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on 13 March that an additional £100 million funding in 19/20 will help in the police’s immediate response to the rise in serious knife crime, enabling priority forces to immediately begin planning to put in place the additional capacity they need. The funding will also be invested in Violence Reduction Units, bringing together a range of agencies including health, education, social services and others, to develop a multi-agency approach in preventing serious violence altogether. It is important that we recognise that greater law enforcement on its own will not reduce serious violence and that we must continue to focus on prevention.The majority of the investment will go towards supporting police forces where violent crime is impacting the most, to take immediate action to suppress the violence we are seeing, to make our streets safer. We are engaging with partners including the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and we are developing the criteria by which forces will receive this funding.

Wales Office

Trade Unions: Wales

Jo Stevens: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many times he has met with trade unions in Wales since July 2016.

Alun Cairns: I have held two specific official trade union roundtable meetings since July 2016.I have also regularly engaged with the farming unions in Wales including through my Expert Panel, which has met 11 times since it was established in September 2017.

Cabinet Office

Influenza: Death

Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many people have died as a result of a flu-related illness in each of the last five years.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response
(PDF Document, 72.95 KB)

Brexit

Deidre Brock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department has spent on social media advertising related to the UK leaving the EU in each of the last 24 months.

Chloe Smith: Cabinet Office spending on social media advertising related to the UK leaving the EU is available to November 2018. Spend for November 2018 onwards will be published in due course in line with normal data releases. Spend to November 2018 has been made public in previous data releases. This can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-spend-data.

Civil Service: Stress

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to reduce levels of stress in the civil service.

Oliver Dowden: We are committed to the health and wellbeing of all our staff, including helping them to manage stress in the workplace. We have committed to delivering the Thriving at Work standards to refine our approach to mental health support in the workplace. The Civil Service health and wellbeing strategy features specific actions including: A Health and Wellbeing Dashboard which tracks progress against six health and wellbeing indicators.Wellbeing Confident Leaders interventions to equip all Senior Civil Servants with the knowledge and tools to understand their impact on staff stress and embed wellbeing into planning, decision-making, communications and change management.A Resilience and Wellbeing toolkit that includes learning, resources, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and practical tips to manage resilience and wellbeing individually or in team supplemented by departmental resources.Promoting softer adjustments for mental ill health such as adjustable start and finish times and working from homeBuilding a network of an estimated 4000 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA’s) or equivalent who are equipped with the knowledge to recognise early symptoms and provide initial help to colleagues experiencing mental health concerns.

Knives: Crime

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many incidents of knife crime there were in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last nine years.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.



UKSA Response
(PDF Document, 139.8 KB)

Crime

Steve McCabe: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer 18 February 2019 to Question 220061, if he will publish the figures based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the number of reported offences for each crime type in each year since 2009.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply and a table has been placed in the Library.



UKSA Response
(PDF Document, 66.85 KB)

Civil Service: Redundancy Pay

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants received exit payments in excess of £95,000 in (a) 2017 and (b) 2018.

Oliver Dowden: Details of high-value exit payments in the Civil Service, including number, type, compensation levels, and cost of exits, are published each year in Departmental Annual Reports and Accounts.

Civil Service: Redundancy Pay

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants received exit payments in (a) 2017 and (b) 2018; and what the (i) average and (ii) highest payment was in each of those years.

Oliver Dowden: Details of high-value exit payments in the Civil Service, including number, type, compensation levels, and cost of exits, are published each year in Departmental Annual Reports and Accounts.

Civil Service: Redundancy Pay

Sir Christopher Chope: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the total cost to the public purse was of exit payments paid to civil servants in excess of £95,000 in (a) 2017 and (b) 2018.

Oliver Dowden: Details of high-value exit payments in the Civil Service, including number, type, compensation levels, and cost of exits, are published each year in Departmental Annual Reports and Accounts.

Treasury

Treasury: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Elizabeth Truss: Between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019, the Chancellor of the Exchequer met with the Chief Scientific Adviser/Director of the Enterprise and Growth Unit at HM Treasury, on five occasions.

Optical Fibres: Non-domestic Rates

Liam Byrne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of extending full fibre relief from five years to (a) 10 years, (b) 15 years and (c) 20 years by financial year.

Mel Stride: Estimates of the Exchequer effect of extending full fibre relief are not available.

Business: West Midlands

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential economic effect on businesses in the West Midlands of the proposals set out in the Tax Information and Impact Note for the UK Tariff 2019.

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential economic effect on businesses in the West Midlands of the provisions in the Tax Information and Impact Note for the UK Tariff 2019.

Mel Stride: The temporary tariff regime has been designed with the aim of minimising disruption across the UK. The Government believes the policy strikes the right balance between avoiding high adjustment costs and protecting businesses from unfair trade in some sectors, and liberalising tariffs to maintain current supply chains and to avoid an increase in consumer prices. The impacts on businesses in the West Midlands stemming from this policy will depend on firms’ reliance on imports from the EU and the extent to which they are already exposed to competition from the rest of the world. For some businesses, there will be potential benefits in terms of not having tariffs imposed on imports from the EU (as is currently the case), particularly where businesses rely on EU goods as inputs or as final goods for sale. However, for other businesses, lowering the UK’s tariffs could expose them to greater levels of competition from the rest of the world, which may create adjustment costs for these firms. This is a temporary policy that will apply for up to 12 months in the event of no deal. During this temporary period, a full review, including a public consultation, would be undertaken in order to develop a permanent tariff regime.

Social Services: Children

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of changes in the level of funding for children’s services on (a) schools, (b) the police and (c) the NHS.

Elizabeth Truss: Local authorities have access to over £200bn to deliver services, including children’s services, between 2015 and 2020. Local government core spending power will increase in real terms next year.At Budget 2018 we announced an additional £410m next year for adults and children’s social care, and £84m to support local authorities to expand programmes for children and families that have shown reduced costs to the police and the NHS.We expect local authorities to continue to work closely with partner agencies to support and protect children in their area.

Local Growth Deals: Borderlands

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much has been allocated from the Borderlands Growth Deal to (a) Carlisle City Council, (b) Cumbria County Council, (c) Dumfries and Galloway Council, (d) Northumberland County Council and (e) Scottish Borders Council.

Elizabeth Truss: The Chancellor announced up to £260 million for the Borderlands Deal at Spring Statement to strengthen the deep ties that bind these communities within the United Kingdom. This innovative deal covers all areas in the Borderlands – Carlisle, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, Northumberland, and Scottish Borders. On top of the £102 million announced recently for the Carlisle Southern Link Road from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, this means up to £362 million of UK government investment into the Borderlands area.

Pupils: Sanitary Protection

Angela Rayner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Spring Statement, how much additional funding he has allocated for the provision of free sanitary products in secondary schools and colleges in the 2019-20 academic year.

Elizabeth Truss: The Government is committed to tackling period poverty in schools, and the damaging impact it can have on girls’ education. At the Spring Statement the Chancellor announced that the Department for Education will lead work to develop a national scheme in England to provide free sanitary products in schools and colleges. The government will fully fund this commitment and precise funding arrangements will be confirmed as part of the 2019 Spending Review.

PAYE

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 4.25 of the Office for Budget Responsibility's Economic and Fiscal Outlook, published in March 2019, if he will publish the most recent data by (a) percentile and (b) decile relating to mean total pay.

Mel Stride: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) publishes information on income and tax by percentile groupings in Table 2.4 of their Income Tax statistics and distributions publication, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/shares-of-total-income-before-and-after-tax-and-income-tax-for-percentile-groups. HMRC also releases a publication containing quarterly statistics about pay earnings derived from Real Time Information. These statistics are relatively new and their content is under development.

Marine Protected Areas: Ascension Island

Luke Pollard: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what funding he is making available to enforce the Marine Protection Area around Ascension Island announced in the Spring Statement.

Elizabeth Truss: Funding to establish a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) around Ascension Island will be made available under the Blue Belt programme, and will be consistent with funding for other MPAs. Funding for ongoing costs associated with the Ascension Island MPA will be delivered at the forthcoming Spending Review.

British Business Bank

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase funding for the British Business Bank to match the £2.1 billion invested by the European Investment Bank in the UK in 2017.

Elizabeth Truss: Businesses and infrastructure projects raise finance from the private market, with important UK government support. The European Investment Bank Group provides finance alongside other market participants. In 2017, the European Investment Bank, which predominantly invests in infrastructure projects, invested EUR 1.84bn in the UK. Its SME risk-finance focused subsidiary, the European Investment Fund, invested EUR 61.05m in UK operations in 2017. As we leave the EU, we continue to actively explore options for a future relationship with the European Investment Bank Group, and the government has a range of existing tools in place to support infrastructure and SME finance, including the £40 billion UK Guarantees Scheme for infrastructure projects. At Spring Statement, the government published a consultation on its existing tools for supporting infrastructure finance and the way they are delivered.  The British Business Bank supports access to finance for smaller businesses. Its programmes are supporting more than £5.9bn of finance to over 82,000 businesses. The British Business Bank has capacity to make venture capital commitments this year exceeding the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the three years preceding the referendum. In addition, at Budget 2018, the Chancellor announced if no future relationship with the EIB Group is in place when the UK leaves the EU, the government will provide the British Business Bank with new resources to enable it to make up to £200m additional investment in venture capital and growth finance in 2019/20. The government stands ready to deliver its commitment in all circumstances.

Research: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2017 to Question 191916 on research: finance, how the Government plans to protect R&D funding after the end of the implementation period.

Elizabeth Truss: Under the Withdrawal Agreement, UK entities would continue to participate in EU programmes as if the UK were an EU Member State for the remainder of this Multi-Year Financial Framework (MFF). This means that UK organisations will be able to continue to secure EU research funding during the implementation period, including funding beyond the end of 2020 where projects stretch beyond this period. If we leave the EU without a deal, HMG has guaranteed payment of awards where: UK entities have successfully bid into EU programmes whilst we remain in the EU, for the lifetime of the project; and where UK entities successfully bid as a third country entity until the end of 2020, for the lifetime of the project. This includes the tail of funding where projects stretch beyond the end of 2020. Participation in programmes post-2020, and domestic R&D budgets post 19/20 will be considered at the Spending Review.

European Bioinformatics Institute: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Spring Statement 2019, whether NPIF funding to the European Bioinformatics Institute refers to the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

Elizabeth Truss: The £45m investment in the European Bioinformatics Institute is funded from the additional £7bn committed for research and innovation from the National Productivity Investment Fund. This will deliver a 20% uplift to government R&D investment between 2017 and 2022 – the largest increase for 40 years.

Joint European Torus: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for how long he plans to fund the JET nuclear fusion reactor.

Elizabeth Truss: At the 2019 Spring Statement, government reiterated its existing commitment to paying the UK’s share of the ongoing costs for the JET nuclear fusion facility until the end of 2020, should the EU extend the operational contract. The Chancellor also went further, by confirming that if the EU do not extend the contract beyond 29 March, the UK Government will provide JET with the resource it needs to continue operations in 19/20, until a new arrangement can be reached with the EU, giving the world-leading experts at the facility the certainty they need to continue their ground-breaking research. As with all budgets, subsequent years beyond 19/20 will be considered at the Spending Review.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Tourism

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent estimate his Department has made of the total net economic effect of foreign tourists visiting (a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the UK in each year since 2010.

Michael Ellis: The Office for National Statistics only holds data on the Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK’s economy in 2013 at a regional level. They also document the UK’s GVA every year at a national level (shown in the table below). They do not hold GVA information at a city level. In 2013, the GVA for tourism in the West Midlands was 3.76bn. Direct Tourism GVA in the UK: YearUK2009£44.6bn2010£49bn2011£53bn2012£57.3bn2013£59bn2014£60.4bn2015£64.6bn2016£68.3bn2017£67.7bn (Provisional)2018Not available yet   The following table outlines the international visitor spend in the locations requested: YearWest MidlandsUK2009£594.5m£16.5bn2010£549.2m£16.8bn2011£570.6m£17.9bn2012£577.9m£18.5bn2013£843.2m£21.1bn2014£761.3m£21.7bn2015£816.2m£21.9bn2016£854.7m£22.4bn2017£806.9m£24.4bn2018Not available yetNot available yet

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: Chief Scientific Advisers

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how many meetings he held with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019.

Margot James: The Chief Scientific Adviser attends meetings with Ministers on a regular basis.

Electronic Commerce: EU Law

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to publish proposals for modernising the eCommerce Directive.

Margot James: Any revision to the eCommerce Directive is the sole initiative of the European Commission. We are not aware of any plans to revise this Directive at this point. The UK is subject to EU law whilst it remains a Member State of the European Union. During the implementation period agreed as part of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will no longer be a Member State yet to give businesses and citizens certainty, common rules will remain in place until the end of the period meaning businesses will be able to trade on the same terms as now up until the end of 2020. This includes the eCommerce Directive.

Telecoms Supply	Chain Review

Mr Bob Seely: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the timescale is for the conclusion and response to the Telcoms Supply Chain Review.

Margot James: The Telecoms Supply Chain Review is progressing to schedule and due to be completed by spring 2019.

Women and Equalities

Down's Syndrome

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, following the Answer to 18 February 2019 to Question 217546 on Down's Syndrome: Abortion, what steps the Government Equalities Office is taking to ensure that women have a complete picture of all the options available to them.

Victoria Atkins: The Government Equality Office does not provide advice on sexual and reproductive rights and options, which is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care.